The Best Time to Visit the Cook Islands for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit the Cook Islands for ideal weather are

July 16th to September 30th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Weather in the Cook Islands

Temperature

Average temperatures in the Cook Islands vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot for most of the year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 19th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit the Cook Islands, the hottest months are February, March, and then January. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid February where highs are regularly around 86.1°F (30.1°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76.9°F (24.9°C) at night.

“Feels-Like” Temperatures

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Average the Cook Islands Temperatures by Month

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in the Cook Islands are June, August, and then July. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early to mid June. For example, on the week of June 11th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late January and early February with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of January 29th.

When can you find snow in the Cook Islands? Weather stations report no annual snow. Please note that a value of 0 for snow in the graph below may either mean there was no snow, or that snow is unreported.

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Humidity and Wind

the Cook Islands has some very humid months, and high humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is August (72.3% relative humidity), and the most humid month is March (79.3%).

Wind in the Cook Islands is usually calm. The windiest month is September, followed by October and July. September’s average wind speed of around 7.8 knots (9 MPH or 14.5 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late July where average top sustained speeds reach 11.4 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Average Wind Speeds

Is it Safe to Travel to the Cook Islands?

Our best data indicates this area is generally safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are no travel advisories or warnings for the Cook Islands; exercise normal security precautions. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories. This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in the Cook Islands is January, followed by February and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit the Cook Islands in October. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Overall the Cook Islands Travel Experience by Season

Fall (March through May)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 85.8°F (29.9°C) and 82.4°F (28°C) with colder temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 4 to 6 days of significant precipitation per month. Fall is fairly slow for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Winter (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with about 3 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in the Cook Islands, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Spring (September through November)

Spring daily highs range from 85.1°F (29.5°C) and 80.7°F (27.1°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 5 to 6 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Summer (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in the Cook Islands to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 86.1°F (30.1°C) and 84.4°F (29.1°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: consistently 6 times per month. These times of year are the busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › the Cook Islands