Located in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean and often referred to as the jewel in the crown of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands enjoy warm weather and a tropical climate year round.
There really is no 'bad' time to visit this island hideaway as its balmy climate, responsible for its lush flora and fauna, is quite consistent. During the warmer months between November and April, temperatures fall within an inviting 26°C to 30°C. As the weather cools down between May to October, temperatures still remain a mild 22°C to 27 °C.
The majority of the Cook Island's rainfall is confined to the warmer months and is generally characterised by brief afternoon storms. Often compared to Hawaii, the Cook Islands have a very similar climate and actually share the same time zone.
The relaxed pace and alluring climate of the Cook Islands is often fondly compared to that of Hawaii before the resorts and major developments. Fortunately, the increased tourist presence here has not negatively impacted the natural environment.
The northern islands are flat coral atolls that lie closer to the equator and these are more sparsely populated. The southern islands, on the other hand, were formed by volcanic activity which means they are hillier but also more abundant with vegetation and wildlife.
Averages | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rainfall (mm) | 250.4 | 245.1 | 231 | 186.9 | 169.4 | 128.5 | 120.4 | 127.1 | 125.3 | 142.1 | 196.7 | 245.8 |
Temp (°C) | 26.8 | 27 | 27.1 | 26.9 | 26.3 | 25.4 | 25.1 | 25.1 | 25.2 | 25.6 | 26 | 26.3 |
Min Temp (°C) | 24.9 | 24.6 | 24.7 | 24.6 | 24.2 | 23.3 | 22.8 | 22.9 | 22.9 | 23.6 | 24.1 | 24.2 |
Max Temp (°C) | 29.2 | 29.4 | 29.4 | 29.1 | 28.7 | 28.1 | 27.1 | 24.1 | 24.7 | 27.8 | 28.5 | 28.6 |