Na Pali Coast Weather
Na Pali Coast Weather
The Na Pali Coast, located on the northwest shore of Kauai, has a tropical climate characterized by a dry season and wet season.
Transitional months (April and October) are usually mild, with characteristics of both the dry and the wet seasons.
Best Na Pali Coast Tours in a Nutshell
Activity Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)Aerial Views Helicopter, doors-off helicopter, airplane Boat cruise & snorkel Catamaran, raft, super raft Sunset tours Sunset & dinner, snorkel & sunset More options Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Kauai
Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit the Na Pali Coast website for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Na Pali Coast Weather: Summary Table
| Na Pali Coast Weather Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Type | Tropical rainforest; wet & humid, with seasonal trade winds |
| Summer (May–Sept) | Warm, calm seas, sunnier skies; temps: 80–85°F (27–29°C) |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cooler, wetter, large surf; temps: 68–78°F (20–26°C) |
| Spring (Mar–Apr) | Mild, fewer tourists; temps: 70–82°F (21–28°C) |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | Transition season, moderate rain; temps: 72–84°F (22–29°C) |
| Dry Season | April to October – best for hiking, snorkeling, kayaking |
| Rainy Season | November to March – frequent showers, especially overnight and early morning |
| Wettest Months | November to February |
| Best Time to Visit | May to September for best weather, snorkeling, boat tours, and dry hiking trails |
| What to Pack | Rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, lightweight clothes, hiking shoes |
Pro Tip: Morning tours have the best chance of sunshine before afternoon clouds roll in ☀️🌧️
Dry Season on the Na Pali Coast ☀️
The dry season on the Na Pali Coast generally runs from May through October. The dry season usually offers plenty of sun with less rainfall. Bright and clear days mean unobstructed views of the beautiful coastline.
🌅 Witness Kauai’s Breathtaking Sunsets! Experience the majestic Na Pali Coast as the sun dips below the horizon on the Deluxe Na Pali Sunset Tour on the Lucky Lady. Stunning views, delicious appetizers, and refreshing beverages!
Daytime temperatures in the dry season are generally in the high 70s to low 80s.
The number of visitors to the north shore of Kauai, including the Na Pali Coast, increases quite a bit in the dry season, so it’s wise to book accommodations and tours well ahead of your visit.
Since rainfall is less during the dry season, it’s a better time of year to hike the Na Pali Coast. Whether you plan to do the full Kalalau Trail, or hike to Hanakapiai Beach, Hanakapiai Falls, or Hanakoa Falls, you’ll find the trail drier and easier to hike.
That said, the Na Pali Coast is one of the wetter parts of Kauai, and showers (sometimes heavy!) can occur at any time, even in the dry season. Always carry a poncho in your backpack or in your purse so you have it handy in the event of a shower while you are hiking or on a boat tour.
🛶 Paddle and Hike to Secret Falls! Embark on the Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike with Lunch. This 5-hour guided tour combines kayaking and a hike to a secluded waterfall, complete with a picnic lunch.
Trade winds from the northeast keep things cooler, especially during the dry season. Bring a lightweight jacket in case you feel cold when you are hiking, on a boat tour, or on a helicopter tour.
The ocean along the Na Pali Coast is generally calmer during the dry season as compared to the winter months. Within the day, the waters are usually more calm in the morning.
Guided kayak tours and boat tours from Hanalei operate only during the dry season. Tours that include the Na Pali Coast are usually less apt to be canceled on account of weather during the dry season.
🌺 Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau! Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show. Enjoy a captivating performance and feast on local delicacies during this 4-6 hour event.
Wet Season on the Na Pali Coast ☔️
The wet season on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai generally runs from November through April. Expect a lot more rain during this time of year, with occasional storms.
🌄 Explore the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! Discover the natural wonders on the Kauai Waimea Canyon and Koke’e Tour. This 10-hour excursion offers panoramic views, visits to charming towns, and insights into Kauai’s history.
Daytime temperatures in the wet season are generally in the mid to high 70s.
Visitation is less at this time of the year, so you can enjoy the Na Pali Coast in relative solitude.
While the coast can sometimes be socked in, some clouds hanging over the cliffs actually make for fantastic photos. Rainbows are also much more likely.
And with all the rain, the cliffs turn a vibrant green, contrasting vividly with the red clays and the blue (or sometimes steel gray) of the ocean. Waterfalls are likely to have better flow, and you may even see temporary waterfalls flowing down the cliffs.
Plus, winter is whale season on Kauai!
🌊 Adventure Awaits on the Na Pali Coast! Join the Na Pali Coast Super Raft Adventure with Snorkel for a 4.5-hour thrill ride. Explore sea caves, snorkel with marine life, and experience the rugged beauty of the coastline.
You can do a boat tour or a helicopter tour of the Na Pali Coast during the wet season. Helicopter and sightseeing flights operate year round as well, weather permitting, and boat tours run year round from Port Allen on the south shore of Kauai.
Ocean swells along the Na Pali Coast can, however, be much higher and rougher in the wet season, and the ride back and forth can be less than pleasant, especially if you don’t do well with motion sickness.
Take your medication as indicated in advance of your tour, sit topside on the boat, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Pick a morning tour for calmer seas.
Tour cancellations on account of weather are much more likely in the wet season, so book your Na Pali Coast boat tour or Kauai helicopter or airplane tour for early in your visit so you can reschedule if necessary.
Hiking trails on the Na Pali Coast can be slippery and very muddy in the wet season, with streams full to overflowing, making them difficult to cross. Unless you are lucky and have a dry spell, try to avoid hiking in the wet season.
🚁 Soar Above the Garden Isle! Take to the skies on the Entire Kauai Airplane Tour with All Window Seats. In just over an hour, witness Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali Coast, and more from a unique aerial perspective.