Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, makes for a relaxing, picturesque getaway. whether you visit the north shore or the south shore you’ll find plenty of activities to do, trails to hike, delicious places to eat, beautiful hotels, and fun in the sun.

You can visit any part of Kauai and find an adventure. Are you planning a vacation to Kauai? If you are, you may be asking yourself, when should I go? What is the best time of year for visiting Kauai? What is the best month to visit Kauai?

Truth be told, there isn’t a particular month that’s better than the rest. Kauai is full of adventures all year round. However, particular seasons are better than others for visits, depending on what you want to do. 

Want to know the best times of the year to visit Kauai? Keep reading below to find out based on your favorite activities. 

Best Swimming Months in Kauai

If you crave walking along a white sandy beach and going swimming in crystal blue waters, visit Kauai during the summer months. The winter months can be very dangerous for swimming at the beaches around Kauai. Hazardous waves have been known to catch people by surprise and drag them out to sea or into jagged rocks and coral reefs.

But during summer, the beaches are everything you can dream of when imagining paradise. Visit between June and August for the best swimming experience around Kauai. 

Kauai – Best Time to Surf

Want to hang 10 in Kauai? Book your vacation during the summer months of May through October and stick toward the south shore of the Garden Isle. You’ll find the best waves for your surfing getaway.

Or if you want to go surfing on the north shore, book your getaway for November through February. The waves are too large for swimming but many experienced surfers love the challenge.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the top activities to try in Kauai! Seeing the coral reef and dozens of colorful fish is a can’t-miss experience. The best time of year to go snorkeling in Kauai is between May and September due to the warm weather and calm waters.

Whale Watching

Every year, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to Kauai’s north shore to mate and give birth to young calves. The humpback whales tend to migrate to Kauai starting in November and leave in May. The best time to go whale watching is during whale watching season in January and February, during their mating and birthing season. If you want to go whale watching, a vacation to Kauai during January and February is perfect for you.

Sometimes you can spot whales from the shore but the best way to go whale watching is by boat tour. Tickets for whale watching cruises tend to sell out very quickly so make sure to book your tickets as soon as possible.

Pleasant Weather & Low Rates

If you want to enjoy warm weather and lower costs, visit Kauai between September and November or between April and June. The temperature tends to stay between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This is comfortable weather for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and all sorts of adventures.

Because these months are the shoulder seasons between winter and summer getaways, hotels and flights tend to be slightly less expensive. Booking during September, October, November, April, May, and June will give you the best prices on your flight and hotel.

Kauai Sea Tours

Ready to explore Kauai? Kauai Sea Tours has been providing award-winning boat tours in Kauai since 1991, with a history of ten consecutive TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards. With a team that’s passionate about creating incredible adventures in paradise, we’re excited to explore Kauai with you. Give us a call at 1-808-335-5309 to schedule your adventure!