Dry Season - December to March

The wet season in the Cook Islands is from December to March, with higher temperatures and humidity as well as heavy downpours. There’s a great chance of cloudy days during this time period, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that clear up after a few hours. Average daytime highs reach the mid to high 80s, with lots of sunshine. The weather during this time is still enjoyable, there is just a greater chance of rain, but it won’t ruin your vacation and is still a good time to travel. This time of year is the off-season, so it is quieter on the islands, with more room on the beaches and at resorts. The beginning of the year brings hot, humid days on the islands, great for enjoying the beautiful beaches and the refreshing tropical waters. 

Due to the island’s location in the South Pacific they do see tropical cyclones during the wet season. December to April is hurricane season, with a chance of storms hitting the islands. The Cook Islands are not usually severely affected, but there’s an increase in tropical weather and nasty thunderstorms. The water temperature is a balmy 75-82 F all year round. The wet season coincides with the off-season; the rain can be a nice reprieve from the heat, and there are a lot of benefits to visiting this time of year. Overall, the islands are much quieter, and travel and accommodation prices are lower, along with fewer crowds.