What's the Weather like in Rarotonga in June
Temperature
While there is never an extreme difference in Rarotonga's temperature range, June is one of the coolest times of the year. Daily average temperatures in June range from a high of 26C (79F) to a low of 20C (68F), with an overall average of 23C (73F). These temperatures are close to what you can expect in tropical spots such as Nauru and Kiribati. The average sea temperature in Rarotonga is 25C (77F) in June.
Sunshine Hours
You'll see close to the year's highest levels of sunshine in June. The month has an average of 11 hours a day, close to the highs of 12 daily hours in September and October. The clouds that gather over the centre of the Rarotonga for much of the year are somewhat dissipated in June.
Rainfall
June kicks off Rarotonga's dry season (from June to December), so expect sunny skies if you visit during this time. June has an average of 16 rainy days with an overall average rainfall of 80mm -- close to the yearly low in July with 15 rainy days and 60mm.
Humidity
June is one the most humid months on the island. The average relative humidity is 80%, with humidity of around 83% in the mornings and 75% in the evenings.
Sunrise and Sunset
On June 1, the sun rises at 7:09 am and sets at 6:04 pm, creating 10:55 hours of daylight. On June 30, the sun comes up at 7:17 am and falls at 6:08 pm, with 10:51 hours of overall daylight.
Wind Speed
Trade winds from the east blow across Rarotonga from May to October. In June, you can expect moderate breezes of 5.2 m/s.
Extreme Weather
June falls outside the South Pacific's cyclone season from November to April. Even in season, cyclones are more likely to hit locations such as Japan and the Philippines. Rare strong storms that come to Rarotonga's shore can bring winds of up to 55 m/s (124 mph) and cause extreme flooding.
Rarotonga Hotels in June
Whether you stay on the sunrise or sunset side of the island, Rarotonga's accommodations offer spectacular sea views against a lush jungle backdrop. From high-end to low-budget, all provide unforgettable escapes.
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa
Set on a kilometre-long stretch of private white-sand beach, the sprawling the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa has 112 rooms over its two storeys. Accommodation options range from oceanfront suites to garden rooms and three-bedroom villas. Located in front of the four-star resort, the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve has some of the region's best snorkelling. Luxuriate with island-inspired body treatments at SpaPolynesia. Delight in cultural shows and theme nights as you savour gourmet cuisine at Te Vaka Restaurant. For a casual meal and a sunset cocktail, there's always Captain Andy's Beach Bar. With a large outdoor pool and free kids club, the resort is also a good option for family getaways.
Lagoon Breeze Villas
Set just back from the southwest coast, Lagoon Breeze Villas lies in a garden setting over five lush acres. The three-star resort has 24 air-conditioned villas with full kitchens and private verandas that offer ocean, mountain or garden views. A family-friendly spot, Lagoon Breeze has a kiddie area in its freshwater pool, an on-site playground and a library. Adults can enjoy barbecue facilities and daily happy hours with exotic speciality cocktails. All will appreciate the one-minute stroll to Aroa Beach, where you can use complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment.
Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel
Overlooking Titikaveka Beach on the southern shore, Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel is a solid three-star choice with bright, cheerful rooms featuring Polynesian décor. With sweeping oceanfront views, air-conditioned accommodations come with kitchenettes and outdoor seating on private patios or balconies. Sample local cuisine at Sands Restaurant, or grill your own meal at barbecue facilities. Each morning you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. You're in luck if you want to experience some local colour. Moana Sands is a five-minute drive to Te Vara Nui Village, home to the island's famed cultural shows.
The Reef Motel
An affordable option on the sunset side of the island, the oceanfront Reef Motel has a dozen guestrooms and five bungalows on the sand in Arorangi. Enjoy a kitchenette and a private patio with a lagoon or garden view at the tranquil hideaway. Dine at nearby restaurants, or use barbecue facilities and grill your own meal to enjoy in an outdoor picnic area. The motel is a short walk from Black Rock Beach, a popular swimming spot where dark basalt rocks edge into the lagoon to create natural diving platforms.
Rarotonga Beach for June
A short distance from the popular sands of Muri Beach you'll find Oneroa Beach. The sands of the tiny coastal isle are reachable by swimming or wading from Muri at low tide. However, strong currents make that an ill-advised way to reach the beach. It's better to take the trip in a kayak or on a tour baot. On Oneroa there are serene stretches of sand backed by lush nature in a locale that's perfect for taking photos that won't have holidaymakers in the shots. This is a good option if you are looking for a quiet romantic escape or a spot to spend a peaceful day with the family.
Bars and Restaurants
Connect with your inner zen at a botanical-garden café. Savour fine French fare or dance under the stars to the sounds of local DJs. Rarotonga's bar and restaurant scene is as diverse as the travellers who journey to the idyllic isle.
The Hidden Spirit Café & Grill
Tucked into the lush grounds of the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens, the Hidden Spirit Café & Grill embodies the essence of the islands with Asian influences. Savour seasonal produce in dishes such as the Tropical Salad with papaya, banana and coconut. Enjoy fresh seafood in a Tiger Prawn Salad with chilli lime. Finish your visit with a garden stroll past ponds and waterfalls. The café is open from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday.
Le Rendez Vous Café Bistro
Both the owners and the cuisine are French at Le Rendez Vous Café Bistro. Set on the island's north shore, the boutique eatery blends local ingredients with imports from France to create dishes such as Châteaubriand Beef with vegetables in bearnaise sauce and Croque en Bouche Choux stuffed with crème pâtissière. Pastries, crepes and fresh-baked pies are also popular. Le Rendez Vous is open from 8 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Monday.
SilverSands Restaurant and Bar
Serving South Pacific cuisine at a seaside locale, SilverSands Restaurant and Bar is an excellent mid-range option on the grounds of the Muri Beach Club Hotel. A dinner menu that focuses on local produce and fresh fish is designed for sampling, offering small-plate selections that allow you to taste multiple dishes. Most evenings offer live music and menu themes including Barbecue Grill and Pig & Prawn night. The restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
On The Rocks Bar & Eatery
On the Rocks is the place to go if you're craving some pulsating nightlife. Located on the waterfront in Avarua, the venue is one of the island's top spots for local bands and DJs. Revel in two levels of entertainment. On the first, you'll find a pool table and a massive screen for live sports. The second has a lively open-air dance floor with ocean views. It's open on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 4 pm to 12 am. Friday hours are from 4 pm to 2 am.
Things to do in Rarotonga in June
Punanga Nui Market
One place not to miss is the Punanga Nui Market. Most visitors to Rarotonga make their way to the gathering of merchants, artisans, musicians and food vendors. While it is open from Monday to Friday, Saturday is when you'll see the most action. Browse collections of clothing with traditional floral designs. Delight in a tropical fruit smoothie and a coconut bowl of ika mata, citrus-marinated raw fish that's a longtime favourite in the Cook Islands. Catch a cultural show with dancers and musicians displaying the island's time-honoured customs.
Follow the Sun
A preference for sunrises or sunsets might be a good gauge for selecting where you'll stay on Rarotonga. On the east side of the island, the sun rises over small coastal islets and creates a glorious display in the quiet morning. Imagine taking a stroll along the beach before the magnificent natural show. On the island's west side you will see a fiery spectacle at dusk as the sun falls below the ocean horizon. Many seaside restaurants and beach bars have happy hours that celebrate sunset.
Discover Local Culture
All across Rarotonga, you can find colourful celebrations of Cook Islands culture. Many of the resorts host festive Island Nights with buffet barbecue feasts, live music from local string bands and troupes of traditional dancers putting on high-energy performances. During the day, you can explore local culture at the Cook Islands National Museum, housing a collection of art, clothing and weaponry that have been a part of island life for centuries.
Take a Jungle Tour
Hop on a quad to explore Rarotonga's rich interior. A Jungle Quad Adventure takes you through dense tropical terrain, crossing remote streams and stopping for magnificent views of Atukura Mountain. Venture into rugged backcountry areas that aren't often visited on the island. Take a break to refresh in a cool freshwater creek. Tours to the lush jungle leave from Muri Beach.
