Rarotonga Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
The climate in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Cook Islands, is remarkably consistent, with temperatures year-round averaging 26°C (79°F). The warmest month is March at 28°C (82°F), and the coolest is August at 25°C (77°F).
The city has a wet climate, receiving around 1681 mm (66 in) of rainfall per year. Despite the high annual total, it has a distinct rainy season from December to March. January is the wettest month. The sunniest month is August, with 6.4 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Monthly Temperature in Rarotonga
In Rarotonga temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 28°C (82°F) in March to a comfortable 25°C (77°F) in August.
Nighttime temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in March to 22°C (72°F) in August.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Rarotonga
Rarotonga experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1681 mm (66 in) of precipitation annually. The seasons in Rarotonga bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, January, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 225 mm (8.9 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 13 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, June, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 75 mm (3 in) over 11 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Rarotonga Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Rarotonga
The sunniest days in Rarotonga occur in August, with around 6.4 hours of daily sunshine. Even in May, the least sunny month, Rarotonga doesn't shy away from the sun, still enjoying a comfortable 5.4 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Humidity in Rarotonga by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in March, reaching 90%. In October, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 79%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Rarotonga
The average wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s (6 knots) to 5 m/s (10 knots). It is lower in March and April and higher in September. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Rarotonga 3-Day Forecast
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
Best Time to Visit Rarotonga
The best time to visit Rarotonga is during May, June, July, August, September, October and November, when the weather provides comfortable temperatures between 25°C (76°F) and 27°C (80°F). With rainfall of 75 mm (3 in) to 136 mm (5.4 in), you can expect pleasant weather during your visit in these months.Be prepared for heavier rainfall during January, February, March, April and December, the wettest period of the year. Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.
