Rakahanga Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Rakahanga, Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let's explore all the details to give you a full picture.
Rakahanga experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2252 mm (89 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
Rakahanga can be quite wet during February, receiving approximately 290 mm (11 in) of precipitation over 13 rainy days.
In contrast September, experiences much drier conditions, with 119 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall, spread across 13 rainy days.
February, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 29°C (84°F). During the driest month September you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Rakahanga Temperature page.
Explore Rakahanga's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Rakahanga spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in the Cook Islands: City Comparison
The map below shows the annual precipitation across the Cook Islands. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
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Rakahanga vs World: Rainfall Compared
Rakahanga's average annual precipitation is 2252 mm (89 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Barcelona, Spain, the average annual precipitation is 644 mm (25 in), evenly distributed across the year with no extreme wet or dry seasons.
Beijing, China, receives 560 mm (22 in) of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.
In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.
Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Rakahanga's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Rakahanga Climate page.
