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Rarotonga, Cook Islands · Tropical

Rarotonga in December: go or not?

Good time. Rarotonga in December gets 7.5/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 21.24°S · 159.78°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Go for it
Rarotonga · December
7.5
22–24°
Temperature
61%
Rain
7h
Sun
🌴 Tropical☀️ High UV🌧️ Monsoon season
Photo : Luke Marshall via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in December

December falls in the wet season in Rarotonga. Showers are often brief but intense. With 61.0% of rainy days, always have indoor alternatives planned. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if October (7.8/10) remains theoretically better.

December ranks 9 out of 12 months in Rarotonga. Compared to November: +4°F daytime, 23 pts more rainy days, −1.2h of sun per day.

This month's conditions

What it's like in December

UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
20°
Sea
26°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
13.3h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 14
Compare

Is December the right month?

The best month in Rarotonga is October (7.8/10), 0.3 pt higher than December.

See October →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Rarotonga is the main island of the Cook Islands: 26 sq miles, 14,000 inhabitants, central mountain (Te Manga 2,100 ft), 20 miles loop road around the island. November is my favorite month (8.2/10): 70-72°F, 38% rain, dry season.

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

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Hotels & rentals · Rarotonga
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Rarotonga

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Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.

Country · Cook Islands

🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘModerate · 3/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 77°F
❄️Coolest monthJune · 72°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 66%

🏝️ Tropical stay

🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore

Other destinations in December

If December doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.

Similar climate
Cook IslandsCook IslandsRodriguesMauritiusNew CaledoniaNew CaledoniaNouméaNew CaledoniaMoroniComoros
Nearby
Bora BoraFrench Polynesia996 kmMooreaFrench Polynesia1122 kmFrench PolynesiaFrench Polynesia1147 kmTahitiFrench Polynesia1147 km
Other top picks
La PalmaSpain7.5AlicanteSpain7.4CadizSpain7.4CasablancaMorocco7.4HarareZimbabwe7.6
← NovemberJanuary →
🗺️ See all 754 destinations on the map
Location

Where is Rarotonga ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Cook Islands
Tropical climate with a 7.8 → 7.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
21.24°S · 159.78°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Rarotonga?
October is the best month with 72°F highs, 70°F lows, 7.6h of sunshine and 37.0% rainy days. The months of October & November offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Rarotonga get in October?
Rarotonga averages 7.6 sunshine hours per day in October. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.3/10.
What is the rainiest month in Rarotonga?
February is the most unfavourable month with February has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Rarotonga in October?
In October, overnight lows reach 70°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.
Is Rarotonga good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Rarotonga scores 7.0/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains October with a score of 7.3/10.
When should you avoid Rarotonga?
February is the most difficult month to visit Rarotonga, with February has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Rarotonga in December?
In December, the sea averages 79°F in Rarotonga: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Rarotonga in December?
The average UV index reaches 8 in December in Rarotonga (very high), with about 13.3h of daylight. Protection essential.