Weather in Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

What's the weather like in Rarotonga (Cook Islands)?

Rarotonga (Cook Islands) has a moderate climate and heavy rainfall, especially in the wet season. Average daytime highs range from 25°C (76°F) in January to 22°C (71°F) in July, with overnight lows around 23°C (74°F) and 20°C (69°F) respectively.

For comfortable sightseeing temperatures (18–26°C daytime highs), the best months to visit Rarotonga (Cook Islands) are January through December.

Quick facts

Country
🇨🇰 Cook Islands
Region
Oceania
Time zone
Pacific/Rarotonga
Coordinates
-21.237, -159.778

Monthly climate

Long-run averages for each month of the year.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 25°C / 76°F 23°C / 74°F 237 mm 27
February 25°C / 77°F 24°C / 74°F 182 mm 24
March 25°C / 77°F 24°C / 74°F 253 mm 28
April 24°C / 76°F 23°C / 73°F 146 mm 22
May 23°C / 74°F 22°C / 72°F 163 mm 24
June 22°C / 72°F 21°C / 70°F 92 mm 23
July 22°C / 71°F 20°C / 69°F 111 mm 22
August 21°C / 70°F 20°C / 68°F 92 mm 22
September 22°C / 71°F 20°C / 69°F 73 mm 21
October 22°C / 71°F 21°C / 69°F 101 mm 22
November 23°C / 73°F 22°C / 71°F 97 mm 22
December 24°C / 75°F 22°C / 72°F 186 mm 22

Rarotonga (Cook Islands) by month

Detailed weather for any specific month:

Seasonal patterns to know

South Pacific cyclone season runs November–April (peak January–March). Tropical cyclones are possible — most likely December–April.

Cities with a similar climate to Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Rarotonga (Cook Islands)?

The most comfortable months in Rarotonga (Cook Islands) are usually July, September, October, when average highs sit near 18–26°C (64–79°F) with relatively little rain. See the full month-by-month breakdown for the exact figures.

What is the hottest month in Rarotonga (Cook Islands)?

March is typically the hottest month in Rarotonga (Cook Islands), averaging a high of 25°C (77°F).

What is the coldest month in Rarotonga (Cook Islands)?

August is usually the coldest, with average lows around 20°C (68°F).

Does it snow in Rarotonga (Cook Islands)?

Snow is rare in Rarotonga (Cook Islands); the climate data shows essentially no snowfall across the year.

Explore Rarotonga (Cook Islands) on the interactive map

Live forecast, sunrise/sunset, and more.