Cook Islands climate: when to go to the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands lie north of the Tropic of Capricorn, they typically have a tropical oceanic climate, with temperatures stable throughout the year, the average maximum temperatures vary between 25°C and 29°C, while the average minimum temperatures vary between 18°C in July and August and 23°C in January and February.

The differences are mainly due to seasonal rainfall patterns, in the Cook Islands there are in fact two seasons, a wet and rainy season from December to March, and a mild dry season from April to November. During the rainy season, from December to March, the Cook Islands can sometimes be affected by tropical cyclones and hurricanes.

The average annual rainfall is around 2100 mm, the wettest months are between December and April, the months with less than rainfall are those between June and October. Mosquito repellent are needed especially during the hot and humid season (December-March), especially on the island of Aitutaki.

One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Author Philby

The annual average temperature of the seawater in Rarotonga is 26°C, with a maximum temperature of 28°C in February and a minimum of 24°C in August.

WHEN TO GO TO THE COOK ISLANDS

For a trip to the Cook Islands are generally preferred the less rainy months ranging from May/June to October.

: The Needle, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Author Madeleine Holland

: Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Author Robert Linsdell

: One Foot Island, Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Author Philby

COOK ISLANDS CLIMATE TABLES

AVARUA, RAROTONGA (6 metres)
Month	Average low (°C)	Average high (°C)	Precip. (mm)	Precip. days
January	23	29	234
February	23	29	257
March	22	29	284
April	22	28	196
May	20	26	150
June	19	25	122
July	18	25	112
August	18	25	119
September	19	25	127
October	20	26	135
November	21	27	163
December	22	28	206
YEAR			2105