Cook Islands climate guide

Get the latest coronavirus (Covid-19) updates for the Cook Islands with current travel advice and statistics on new cases per 100,000 and vaccine.

Below are average maximum temperatures at popular destinations in the Cook Islands for next month - August. Select a destination to see the climate guide for all months of the year.

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The climate guide for Cook Islands shows long term monthly weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia), the Met Office & the Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

Cook Islands climate overview

The Cook Islands are part of Polynesia, lying almost exactly in the centre of the South Pacific between Tonga and French Polynesia. The indigenous people are Maoris known for their vibrant culture and energetic dances. The 15 islands form a northern and southern group separated by over 800 kilometres (500 miles) of ocean.

The northern group of islands are coral atolls, which are mostly flat and low lying. Because of human occupation none of the original native vegetation of the islands remains. Today coconut palms and pandanus trees grow along the picture-perfect sandy beaches, graced by scenic lagoons.

The southern island group is volcanic in origin. The largest island is Rarotonga, whose rugged mountainous interior is covered in lush jungle, cleared in parts for citrus groves to thrive on the fertile soils. Near the south coast is the stunning Wigmore's Waterfall, while the capital Avarua lies on the north shore.

Coastal resorts have been developed to take advantage of the picturesque sandy beaches, however the most beautiful beaches and lagoons are found on Aitutaki 250 kms (160 miles) to the north.

Coral reefs surround almost all of the islands, creating a sheltered haven of turquoise water, teeming with tropical marine life and bathed in warm water all year.

The climate is warm tropical and wet. Rainfall is likely in all months, becoming heaviest from January to March and more isolated in the sunnier drier season. Daytime temperatures are warm throughout the year, falling to comfortable at night in the drier months.

Tropical Cyclones are possible between December and March but are rare.