Which is the hottest month in the Cook Islands?

The hottest time of year in Avarua, Cook Islands is normally February. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 29°C with high heat and humidity.

Best time to visit the Cook Islands

Q: When is the best time to visit the Cook Islands?

The best time to visit the Cook Islands (Avarua) is January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: Which month has the most rain in the Cook Islands?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Avarua, Cook Islands with 267mm on average. There are normally 17 days in January with some rain.

Q: When is the sea warmest in the Cook Islands?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Avarua, Cook Islands in March when the water temperature reaches 28°C.

Find the best time to visit the Cook Islands and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Cook Islands by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Cook Islands destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in the Cook Islands. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Cook Islands destinations

When is the best time to visit Cook Islands?

The best time to visit Cook Islands (Avarua) is January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

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Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for Cook Islands (Avarua) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

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

Cook Islands weather overview

Mountainous Raratonga is the best known of the Cook Islands which are a group of six large and nine smaller Polynesian islands which share a tropical climate, strongly influenced by the seas which surround them. Rain occurs throughout the year but is heaviest between November and April when occasional storms and cyclones can hit.

Temperatures and humidity are high all year but May to October are cooler months and even very hot, sticky days are tempered by sea breezes which create a pleasant and healthy climate.

What to pack for Cook Islands weather

Take light clothing whatever the time of year, supplemented by wraps for cooler evenings. Always go prepared for rain.

More about the Cook Islands

Explore our complete guide to the Cook Islands with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for the Cook Islands.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

Cook Islands travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to the Cook Islands with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Cook Islands - quick facts
Time difference	UK -10 hours
Language(s)	English, Maori
Currency	Cook Islands Dollar, New Zealand Dollar
Electricity	I plug (240V)
Driving side	Left

Why visit the Cook Islands?

Considering a holiday to the the Cook Islands? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination such as for its beaches to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Beaches

Cook Islands tourist information

Cook Islands Tourism

Travelling to the Cook Islands?
Hotels Flights

Cook Islands travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting the Cook Islands from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

UK traveller advice for the Cook Islands - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for the Cook Islands - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for the Cook Islands - Government of Canada
Safe travel advisories for the Cook Islands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for the Cook Islands - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around the Cook Islands.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Cook Islands travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to the Cook Islands with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for the Cook Islands - CDC
Health & vaccinations for the Cook Islands - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in the Cook Islands - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in the Cook Islands, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Cook Islands travel features

Do you want to learn more about the Cook Islands? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in the Cook Islands.

We don't currently have any travel features on the Cook Islands. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Best destinations for winter sun in 2025/2026

Cook Islands FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to the Cook Islands including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in the Cook Islands?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Avarua, Cook Islands with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in the Cook Islands?

The sunniest time of year in Avarua, Cook Islands is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in the Cook Islands?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Avarua, Cook Islands in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the time difference between the Cook Islands and the UK?

The time difference between the Cook Islands and the UK is UK time-10 hours.

What is the main language spoken in the Cook Islands?

The main languages spoken in the Cook Islands are English and Maori.

Learn a language for the Cook Islands with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Rocket Languages^*.

What is the currency in the Cook Islands?

The currency in the Cook Islands is the Cook Islands Dollar (CKD) and the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

Which plugs are used in the Cook Islands?

Cook Islands uses electrical plug type I (240 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in the Cook Islands?

They drive on the left side of the road in the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands travel deals

Holidays to the Cook Islands

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to the Cook Islands in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.