Cook Islands

Cook Islands Weather in March

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in the Cook Islands in March.

Considering a trip to the Cook Islands this March and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in the Cook Islands in March

March in the Cook Islands generally has warm temperatures, with heavy precipitation.

Temperatures

You can expect warm maximum daytime temperatures of around 28°C (82°F) and nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) in Rarotonga. On average, March is the warmest month of the year in the Cook Islands. So be prepared and pack summer clothes.

For specific regional insights in the Cook Islands, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In March, precipitation varies across different areas. From heavy rainfall in Arorangi with an average of 197 mm (7.8 in) to heavy rainfall in Pukapuka with 296 mm (12 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine levels are moderate in most locations. Rarotonga typically sees 179 hours of sunlight, creating comfortable conditions that aren't too bright or too dim. Looking for something sunnier? Our weather planner helps you discover destinations with more reliable sunshine.

Explore the Cook Islands by month

Best Places to Visit in the Cook Islands in March

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across the Cook Islands.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in the Cook Islands

What is the weather like in March for some of the most popular destinations in the Cook Islands?

Temperature range in the Cook Islands (March)

Precipitation variation in the Cook Islands (March)

Rarotonga

In March Rarotonga generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
167 hours
179 hours
174 hours
Monthly rainfall
209 mm (8.2 in)
197 mm (7.8 in)
164 mm (6.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Arutanga

In March Arutanga generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly sun hours
156 hours
165 hours
166 hours
Monthly rainfall
265 mm (10 in)
213 mm (8.4 in)
196 mm (7.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Arorangi

In March Arorangi generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
167 hours
179 hours
174 hours
Monthly rainfall
209 mm (8.2 in)
197 mm (7.8 in)
164 mm (6.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Avarua

In March Avarua generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
167 hours
179 hours
174 hours
Monthly rainfall
210 mm (8.3 in)
197 mm (7.8 in)
165 mm (6.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Ngatangiia

In March Ngatangiia generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

February
March
April
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
167 hours
179 hours
174 hours
Monthly rainfall
210 mm (8.3 in)
197 mm (7.8 in)
166 mm (6.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
13 days
13 days
12 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in the Cook Islands.

Popular cities in March

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in the Cook Islands in March.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Rarotonga 28°C (82°F) 26°C (79°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Arutanga 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Arorangi 28°C (82°F) 26°C (79°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Rakahanga 30°C (86°F) 26°C (79°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Pukapuka 30°C (86°F) 26°C (79°F) 296 mm (12 in)
Penrhyn 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)

The Cook Islands weather in March: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in the Cook Islands in March?

In March, the Cook Islands generally has tolerable weather conditions. Rarotonga sees daytime temperatures near 28°C (82°F), with nights cooling to roughly 26°C (79°F).

What is the average temperature in the Cook Islands in March?

In Rarotonga, the average daytime high in March is 28°C (82°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 26°C (79°F).

Does the Cook Islands get a lot of rain in March?

Expect plenty of rainfall. Rarotonga records an average of 197 mm (7.8 in) in March, putting it among the wetter months for the Cook Islands.

Is March a Good Time to Visit the Cook Islands?

Given the typically tolerable weather conditions in Rarotonga, March might be a good time to visit the Cook Islands. However, the weather conditions may vary depending on your destination.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in June, August, September and October offering mostly perfect weather in Rarotonga. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have unpleasant weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in the Cook Islands.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the Cook Islands? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the Cook Islands.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.