Rarotonga Weather in December
Rarotonga in December averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night. December is part of the rainy season, so frequent rainfall is typical.
Rainfall in Rarotonga in December
As part of the rainy season, Rarotonga sees around 13 days of rain in December, with an average of 200 mm (7.9 in). Rain during the rainy season here tends to be intense rather than just persistent drizzle. Expect significant downpours.
Temperature in Rarotonga in December
In December, Rarotonga gets high temperatures, with highs of 27°C (81°F). Nights cool to around 25°C (77°F). Conditions stay fairly consistent through the month, making it easier to plan what to wear. Nights are warm at 25°C (77°F). It's worth making sure your accommodation has decent ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine in Rarotonga in December
With about 173 hours of sunshine, the area enjoys a nice balance of sun and rainy moments, creating a pleasant environment.
Wind Speed in Rarotonga in December
December sees wind speeds averaging 4 m/s (8 knots). You'll experience variable conditions with moderate winds that create small waves on water and keep branches moving. Conditions range from light winds to moderate breezes throughout the month.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, December may not be the ideal month to visit Rarotonga. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the Cook Islands, check out our Rarotonga's climate page.
Rarotonga Temperature in December
Min Temperature
25°C (77°F)
Max Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
42%
Precipitation
200 mm (7.9 in)
Rainy days
13 days
Humidity
84%
Windspeed
4 m/s (8 knots)
Sunshine
173 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Rarotonga typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 27°C (81°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 23°C (73°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Rarotonga in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Rarotonga spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Rarotonga historical weather extremes in December
According to our 11 years of weather records for Rarotonga, the following extremes were recorded between 2014 and 2025.
- The hottest December day on record in Rarotonga reached 33°C (91°F) (December 7, 2016).
- On December 28, 2014, Rarotonga saw its coldest December day with temperatures maxing out at 24°C (75°F).
- Rarotonga registered its coldest December night on December 27, 2019, with temperatures dropping to 18°C (64°F).
- The wettest December day on record brought 121 mm (4.8 in) of precipitation to Rarotonga (December 14, 2018).
Best Places in the Cook Islands in December
Find out more about the weather in the Cook Islands and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the Cook Islands in December →
perfect weather
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What to Wear in Rarotonga in December
Warm temperatures in December make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the monthWhat To Do in Rarotonga in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the Cook Islands, check out our Rarotonga's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Rarotonga climate overview or explore weather in the Cook Islands.
