When is the best time to visit 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.

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.

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

• Manureva Aquafest, a water sports festival showcasing some of the world’s best kitesurfers, comes to Aitutaki in late August.

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.

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.