The month in detail
What to expect in May
Autumn in Rarotonga is often underrated: 75°F, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Expect rain on 34% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if October (8.1/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 9 out of 12 months in Rarotonga. Compared to April: −0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
5 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
muggy at times
18°
Sea
27°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.0h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 21
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Rarotonga is October (8.1/10), 0.3 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Rarotonga
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Rarotonga
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
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 ⓘFebruary · 41%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
Cook IslandsCook Islands
HoniaraSolomon Islands
MoroniComoros
TongaTonga
MooreaFrench Polynesia
Location
Where is Rarotonga ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Cook IslandsTropical climate with a 8.1 → 7.7 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?
November is the best month with 72°F highs, 70°F lows, 8.2h of sunshine and 22.0% rainy days. The months of November & June offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Rarotonga get in November?
Rarotonga averages 8.2 sunshine hours per day in November. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.6/10.
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 November?
In November, overnight lows reach 70°F, while afternoon highs average 72°F.
Is Rarotonga good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Rarotonga scores 7.3/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains November with a score of 7.6/10.
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 May?
In May, the sea averages 81°F in Rarotonga: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Rarotonga in May?
The average UV index reaches 5 in May in Rarotonga (moderate), with about 11.0h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.