Make sure you pick the right diary date for your trip to the Cook Islands with this handy guide.
Read everything you need to know about timing your Cook Island holiday just right, from getting the best weather to dodging the crowds.
Best time to visit the Cook Islands
May to September.
Why?
There’s not technically a bad time to visit the Cook Islands. However, the months of May to September pip the others to the post in terms of the best weather. At this time of year, the average temperature is about 26°C and the rains of the rainy season, which runs from November to March, have dried up.
The islands are busiest in July and August, although you’ll never experience anything close to grid lock. However, if you intend to visit during these months, it’s best to book ahead to bag the accommodation that you most want.
Overview
The Cook Islands are warm and sunny all year round. The warmest months are between November and March, with temperatures hitting the top 20s.
These months are also the wettest in the Cook Islands. Although you won’t usually lose entire days to rain, you can expect regular, short, sharp showers, often in the afternoon.
Occasionally, hurricanes hit during this time of year, although extreme ones are rare. If one is going to reach the islands, it will probably be in February, which is the highest risk month.
Things cool down between June and August, but only by a fraction. Average daily highs reach 26°C. These months are drier, too.
Weather and prices
Best time to visit the Cook Islands, weather wise: May to September
Cheapest time to visit the Cook Islands: January to March
Best time to visit the Cook Islands for...
- Beaches. It’s possible to hit the beach all year round in the Cook Islands, although you’ll have more chance of having your day broken up by short heavy showers if you visit between November and March. The sea is balmy no matter when you visit. The coolest water temperatures hover around 24°C between June and October.
- Cruises. Cruise lines like Paul Gauguin and Windstar offer cruises in the Cook Islands all year round. To catch the best weather, book onto an itinerary between May and September. Time your trip for August, meanwhile, and you have a chance of spotting whales as you sail around the area.
- Surf. November to March is the best time to surf in the Cook Islands. The conditions have improved at this time of year because trade winds from the southeast meet storms from the North Pacific and the collision feeds the swell, especially around the southern islands, like Rarotonga. This time of year is also storm season, but downpours tend to happen in the afternoons, so it’s usually still possible to get in some good surfing in the morning.
Hot Cook Islands travel deals
Budget Air
Extra $15 off South Pacific flights with code
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Fiji, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
EOFY sale: New Zealand flights from $377 return
Valid for travel on select dates between August 2019 - March 2020 with Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways. Destinations include Fiji, Auckland, Queenstown, Cook Islands and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Christchurch with Virgin Australia.
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Skyscanner
Cook Islands flights from $469 return
Valid for travel between 7 October - 20 December 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Rarotonga with Air New Zealand.
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Experience Oz
Cook Islands experiences from $89
Valid for travel on select dates until June 2020. Includes activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, sightseeing of marine life, return transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
Cook Islands flights from $565 return
Valid for travel between 3 May - 27 June 2019 with Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Sydney.
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Popular Travel coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Jun 2019 | Extra 10% off whale watching with code | FIN**** |
| 25 Jun 2019 | $30 off car rentals | FIN**** |
| 24 Jun 2019 | Extra 15% off with code | FIN**** |
| 19 Jun 2019 | Extra $10 off with code | FIN**** |
| 19 Jun 2019 | Summer sale: $130 off train tickets with code | 1SU**** |
