Please select your location:
You can find all your favourites in the menu
Aitutaki, Cook Islands

When is the best time to visit the Cook Islands?

The best time to visit the Cook Islands is during the driest months (April to November). The climate is tropical and generally agreeable year-round, with steady humidity levels and temperatures sitting between 75°F and 86°F.

December to March is the damp season, when there’s a greater chance of cloudy days and the occasional storm. In reality, this means it’s likely to rain hard for a couple of hours and then stop — so travel isn’t impossible at this time of year.

However, Rarotonga’s richly green, mountainous heart attests to the fact rainfall is possible all year round on the Cooks.

Speak to someone
who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Cook Islands specialists

Cook Islands Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Aitutaki 30°C 245mm 30°C 237mm 30°C 212mm 30°C 219mm 28°C 181mm 28°C 93mm 27°C 80mm 27°C 90mm 27°C 90mm 28°C 123mm 29°C 162mm 29°C 227mm
Rarotonga 28°C 249mm 28°C 241mm 28°C 216mm 27°C 299mm 25°C 211mm 24°C 144mm 24°C 126mm 24°C 165mm 25°C 163mm 25°C 128mm 26°C 190mm 27°C 286mm

Month-by-month guide for traveling in the Cook Islands

Jan - Feb Mar - Apr May - Jun Jul - Aug Sep - Nov Dec
Lagoon cruise, Aitutaki

Visiting the Cook Islands in January - February

The middle of the Cook Islands’ summer, these months are not only the hottest but also the most prone to heavy rainfall, although continuous days of solid rain are rare. There’s also a (low) risk of cyclones.

One Foot Island, Aitutaki, the Cook Islands

Visiting the Cook Islands in March - April

March sees the tail end of the Cooks’ rainy season. From April, the weather settles and the islands become pleasantly warm, the humidity occasionally punctured by the odd refreshing shower or sea breeze.

Events & Festivals

  • Te Mare Ura, a festival of the Cook Islands’ traditional Mare Ura dance, takes place annually in Rarotonga between April and May.
Snorkelling on Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Visiting the Cook Islands in May - June

May and June see the islands becoming warmer still, and steadily busier as tourists from around the world (but especially the Southern Hemisphere) start to visit. Whale-watching season begins mid-June and runs until October. At these times of year, you can see humpbacks blowholing from the shore on the western side of Rarotonga.

Events & Festivals

  • Te Mare Ura, a festival of the Cook Islands’ traditional Mare Ura dance, takes place annually in Rarotonga between April and May.
Aitutaki, The Cook Islands

Visiting the Cook Islands in July - August

This is the middle of the Cooks’ winter. Daytime temperatures are warm, while the nights can be chilly. It’s also when the Cooks are at their busiest, as Australians and New Zealanders flock to the islands during their school winter breaks.

Events & Festivals

  • Manu Vera Aquafest, a water sports festival showcasing some of the world’s best kitesurfers, comes to Aitutaki in late August.
The Cook Islands

Visiting the Cook Islands in September - November

In September, the weather is still warm, but a thicker, soupier humidity returns to the islands by November. It’s still possible to see whales until mid-October, but we recommend avoiding the last week of September as this often coincides with spring break for New Zealanders.

Events & Festivals

  • Mire Tiare, the Cooks’ flower festival, is celebrated on Rarotonga in late November.
  • Vaka Eiva (a prestigious canoe-racing competition) also takes place in late November in Avarua.
Cross Island Trek with Pa, Rarotonga

Visiting the Cook Islands in December

In December, the heat ramps up, more frequent rainfall envelops the Cooks, and there’s a greater chance of inclement weather and storms.

Why travel with Audley?

  • 100% tailor-made tours
  • Fully protected travel
  • Established for over 25 years
  • 98% of our clients would recommend us
Watch our video
Travel advice aircraft image

Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to the Cook Islands, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest government travel advice.

View practical information
New Zealand brochure cover

Request a brochure

Our detailed brochures feature trip ideas and travel experiences recommended by our specialists.

Order by email