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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.