Looking for the best spots to escape the rain by month? We’ve got you covered!
South Side Maui Rainfall Inches in Each Month, By City/Town
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South Maui is driest in Kihei and Wailea, and as you move towards Makena, you tend to see more rain. Both the west and south side are the most popular areas for visitors because the weather is relatively dry compared to the rest of the island. The ʻMakena Cloudʻ, as some call it, is a common site over the area. Much like West Maui, the mornings have the best chance of being clear, and then the cloud will form throughout the day, so then you would make your way to Wailea or Kihei to catch more rays.
West Side Maui Rainfall Inches in Each Month, by City/Town
| Month | Lahaina | Kaanapali | Kahana | Napili | Kapalua |
| January | 2.9 | 3.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 5.0 |
| February | 2.2 | 2.1 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| March | 1.5 | 2.0 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 4.8 |
| April | 0.8 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| May | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2.4 | 3.0 |
| June | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| July | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 2.4 |
| August | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 2.3 |
| September | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| October | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| November | 1.5 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| December | 2.5 | 3.0 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.3 |
The west side of Maui is drier in Lahaina, but as you move north, you tend to get more rain. Kapalua is much like Makena in that it has a strip of clouds that bring rain quite often. The rain clouds tend to form near Kahului and then wrap around the northwestern tip of Maui all the way to the Kapalua and Napili areas. Mornings are usually clear, but clouds tend to form, and rain squalls may begin to roll through as the day goes on. At that point, it’s time to migrate south 15 minutes to Kaanapali Beach where the sun can usually be found.
See things to do in Maui when it rains
More Maui Rainfall Information
Maui experiences a unique rainfall pattern that varies significantly across its regions. The island’s climate is strongly influenced by its topography, which features towering volcanic peaks and deep valleys. As a result, Maui exhibits a distinct wet and dry side. The eastern and northern parts of the island, such as Hana and the windward slopes, receive more abundant rainfall due to the moisture-laden trade winds that blow in from the northeast. These areas are blessed with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant greenery. On the other hand, the western and southern regions, including popular tourist destinations like Kihei, are situated in the rain shadow of the mountains, leading to drier conditions. These arid landscapes boast golden sandy beaches and sunnier climates, making them ideal spots for sun-seekers and beach enthusiasts.
Throughout the year, Maui experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season typically spans from November to March, during which the trade winds bring more frequent and intense rainfall to the island’s windward side. This period sustains the island’s lush vegetation and fills its streams and waterfalls to create breathtaking natural beauty. In contrast, the dry season, lasting from April to October, sees a decrease in rainfall, particularly on the leeward side of the island. This season welcomes more tourists seeking clear skies, warm temperatures, and enjoyable Maui water activities. The dynamic rainfall patterns on Maui contribute to its rich ecological diversity and provide an opportunity for visitors to experience both the lush tropical rainforests and the sun-kissed beaches within the same island paradise.
Forecast for the next few days:
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