Weather Rarotonga , Cook Islands
The largest of the South Pacific's Cook Islands, Rarotonga is encircled by a turquoise lagoon with coral reefs that offer world-class scuba diving and excellent snorkelling. Pristine white-sand beaches give way to dense rainforest terrain that's dotted by dramatic volcanic crests. This spectacular natural beauty makes Rarotonga a popular place for tropical getaways.
While weather fluctuations are moderate, Rarotonga has four main seasons: spring (September-November); summer (December-February); autumn (March-May); and winter (June-August). There is also a dry season (June-October) and a wet season (November-May). One of the best times to visit is during the dry season months from May to October. While you will find heat and humidity, there are also cooling winds. During this time you may wish to have a sweater for evenings as cold fronts come in from the Antarctic. This is also a great time to spot migratory whales just offshore.
Another optimal window is during the shoulder months, from April to May and from September to October, when you're almost guaranteed clear sunny skies. If you're looking for local culture, consider heading to Rarotonga in April when the lively Dancer of the Year competition takes place. The greatest number of visitors head to the island from June to August, when the residents of New Zealand and Australia have their winter holidays. Hotels are often booked during this period, so plan ahead.
While average temperatures don't vary greatly, fluctuations in humidity make them feel as if they do. January is the most humid month and August is the least. With an average temperature of 27°C (80°F), February is the warmest month while July is the coolest with an average of 23°C (73°F). Expect the most sunshine in October and the most rainfall in January. You can enjoy ocean activities like swimming, kayaking and kite surfing all year long, with the warmest water in February when there's an average sea temperature of 28°C (82°F).
Spring Weather in Rarotonga
From September to November you will find a nice mix of humidity and cooling winds, with an average temperature of 24°C. You can expect daytime highs to hit an average of 26 °C and nighttime lows to drop to 21°C. Some of the year's lowest rainfall is in the months of September and October when you can expect 15 days of rain and 80mm of rainfall. The precipitation is likely to creep up in November, with an average of 14 days of rain and 130mm of rainfall. Expect 12 hours of daily sunshine in September and October, falling to 10 hours in November. Ocean temperatures are an even 25°C in September and October, climbing one degree in November.
Summer Weather in Rarotonga
Temperatures show a slight steady increase in the summer months from December to February, rising from averages of 25°C to 27°C over the three-month period. You can count on daytime temperatures to average 28°C and overnight lows of 24°C over that same span. Rainfall increases and peaks in the summer, starting with 160mm and 17 days of rainfall in December and rising to 190mm and an average of 18 days across January and February. You can expect an average of just under 8 hours of sunshine in the summer months. Ocean temperatures rise from 27°C in December to 28°C in January and February.
Autumn Weather in Rarotonga
The combination of temperature and humidity make this time of year (March through May) feel like the warmest. March and February are the two warmest months with temperature averages of 27°C, average highs of 29°C and average lows of 24°C. Temperatures fall slightly to an average of 26°C in April (with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°) and 25°C in May (with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°). March also joins January as the rainiest month, with averages of 190mm and 19 days of rainfall. The precipitation begins to taper off a bit in April (with 170mm and 18 days) and May (with 140mm and 17 days). Daily hours of sunshine rise from 8 in March to 9 in April and 10 in May. Ocean temperatures fall from 28°C in March and April to 26°C in May.
Summer Weather in Rarotonga
Temperatures show a slight steady increase in the summer months from December to February, rising from averages of 25°C to 27°C over the three-month period. You can count on daytime temperatures to average 28°C and overnight lows of 24°C over that same span. Rainfall increases and peaks in the summer, starting with 160mm and 17 days of rainfall in December and rising to 190mm and an average of 18 days across January and February. You can expect an average of just under 8 hours of sunshine in the summer months. Ocean temperatures rise from 27°C in December to 28°C in January and February.
Autumn Weather in Rarotonga
The combination of temperature and humidity make this time of year (March through May) feel like the warmest. March and February are the two warmest months with temperature averages of 27°C, average highs of 29°C and average lows of 24°C. Temperatures fall slightly to an average of 26°C in April (with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°) and 25°C in May (with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°). March also joins January as the rainiest month, with averages of 190mm and 19 days of rainfall. The precipitation begins to taper off a bit in April (with 170mm and 18 days) and May (with 140mm and 17 days). Daily hours of sunshine rise from 8 in March to 9 in April and 10 in May. Ocean temperatures fall from 28°C in March and April to 26°C in May.
Winter Weather in Rarotonga
From June to August you'll experience some of the most comfortable weather and the least amount of precipitation. This is also the busiest time for tourism, so expect prices to be a bit higher. Temperature averages are a solid 23°C over the three months, with almost equally even daytime highs that average just under 26°C and lows of 20°C. You can expect 80mm of rainfall over 16 days in June, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day. July is the driest month with 60mm of rainfall over 15 days and an average of 10 hours of sunshine each day. Rain rises slightly in August to 70mm over 15 days with an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day. You'll find some of the year's coldest ocean temperatures in the winter months at an average of 25°C.
Extreme Weather in Rarotonga
The heat over Pacific waters can stir up fierce winds, strong thunderstorms and even the occasional tropical cyclone. The latter generally hit from November to April. At their most devastating, these storms can bring winds up to 200 kph and flood the shores. While cyclones do strike, this extreme weather is rare. You're more apt to see short bursts of strong rain followed immediately by clear skies and plenty of sunshine.