Rarotonga Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Rarotonga’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in the Cook Islands.
Monthly Temperature Averages
With minimal seasonal shifts, Rarotonga experiences a constant climate year-round. On average, maximum daytime temperatures range from a warm 28°C in March to a warm 25°C in August. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching 22°C in August.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Rarotonga by month:
The minimum temperature is often recorded between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the highest temperature is usually reached at 3 PM. During this time the sun's heating effect is the strongest. March, the city’s warmest month receives 179 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
August, the city’s coldest month, sees about 80 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 14 days. It records 191 hours of sunshine of sunshine.
Annual Temperatures in the Cook Islands Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across the Cook Islands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Rarotonga Temperatures Compared World Wide
Rarotonga’s average annual maximum temperature is 26°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
Seville, Spain, stands out with its warm Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 23°C.
In Toronto, Canada, the average annual temperature is 13°C, with snowy winters and warm summers.
Osaka, Japan, offers a similar climate to Tokyo, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.
In Brisbane, Australia, the average annual temperature is 26°C, making it warmer than Sydney.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In Rarotonga, during the coolest month, August, you will experience 83% humidity, which is considered very high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 25°C. In the warmest month, March, the humidity is 90% combined with an average maximum temperature of 28°C, which creates a very high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about Rarotonga’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Rarotonga climate page.
Current temperature in Rarotonga
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overcast and heavy rain
10 m/s
overcast and thunder
4 m/s
overcast and thunder
