Best time to visit the Cook Islands

The best time to visit the Cook Islands is between June and August for maximum sunshine and minimal rainfall. However, there isn’t really a ‘bad time’ to visit the Cook Islands as the temperatures are balmy all year round. Between June and August is the peak of the dry season when humidity and rainfall are at their lowest. That said, it's also the peak tourist season so be prepared for higher prices and the most beautiful spots to be a bit crowded. Traveling outside of the peak season definitely isn't off the cards, but there are a few factors to consider. We've broken some of them down to help you decide when to visit the Cook Islands.

What’s the weather like in the Cook Islands?

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands boast a tropical oceanic climate with pleasant weather and warm, stable temperatures throughout the year. Although there are two seasons – a wet season from December to March and a dry season from April to November – there’s a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year with a yearly average of 79 inches.

However, the air temperature doesn’t fluctuate much with average year-round highs hovering between 77°F to 86°F, and lows between 68°F to 77°F.

The dry season sees average highs of 77°F to 82°F. July and August are the coolest and driest months with lows of 68°F at night, but this is still relatively mild if you're coming from somewhere with a more temperate climate.

The wet season experiences more humidity, rainfall and slightly hotter daytime highs of 84°F. Even still, it tends to rain heavily for short periods either in the morning or in the afternoon, so there isn't too much disruption to your day. The South Pacific also sees tropical cyclones in the wet season, and while the Cook Islands aren’t usually severely affected, there’s always a chance. The water temperature is steady throughout the year, lingering between a balmy 75°F to 82°F.

When to visit

For the best weather (July-August)

The best weather is in July and August, so it makes sense that this is when the tourism season really heats up. July is a particularly busy month when large numbers of travelers from Australia and New Zealand flock to the Cook Islands during the winter school holiday period for some tropical warmth. So, while you'll get great weather, you can also expect higher prices for accommodation, sold-out tourist activities, and busy beaches, bars and eateries.

For cheaper rates and quieter beaches (December-March)

The off-season coincides with the wet season when the weather is hotter, stickier and wetter. A little rain doesn’t need to dampen your holiday spirits, though. The skies clear quickly after a downpour and it's unlikely to chuck it down all day. Some travelers even enjoy the rain as it can be a nice reprieve from the heat. The biggest pro of visiting in the wet season is that you can usually find cheaper rates for hotels and tourist activities, as well as empty beaches, making it a perfect time to enjoy the serenity of the Cook Islands.

The shoulder season (April-May, September-October)

The off-season coincides with the wet season when the weather is hotter, stickier and wetter. A little rain doesn’t need to dampen your holiday spirits, though. The skies clear quickly after a downpour and it's unlikely to chuck it down all day. Some travelers even enjoy the rain as it can be a nice reprieve from the heat. The biggest pro of visiting in the wet season is that you can usually find cheaper rates for hotels and tourist activities, as well as empty beaches, making it a perfect time to enjoy the serenity of the Cook Islands.

If you want to see whales (June-October)

Whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the South Pacific between mid-June and October. You’ll often see pods of humpbacks breaching or spraying water through their blowhole just off the shores, particularly along the western beaches of Rarotonga. You have an even greater chance of spotting one if you do a boat tour and sail into the open water.

Average temperatures in the Cook Islands

Month

Average high (°F) 

Average low (°F) 

January

84

77

February

84

77

March

84

77

April

82

75

May

81

72

June

79

72

July

77

70

August

77

68

September

77

70

October

79

72

November

81

73

December

82

75

Want to learn more about the Cook Islands? Return to Cook Islands FAQs

Our Cook Island trips

tailor-made trips
Build your dream adventure

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Explore Tailor-Made trips

Get inspired on The Good Times