Cook Islands weather in December
December is the start of the rainy season in the Cook Islands. You can expect frequent but short-lived downpours between sunshine. It’s also the cyclone season, so it’s best to be aware of the cyclone and weather warnings.
How hot is it in the Cook Islands in December?
Daytime temperatures average a high of 29°C (84°F) in the Cook Islands in December, with moderate to high heat and humidity, falling to a night-time low of 23°C (73°F).
How sunny is it in the Cook Islands in December?
There are normally five hours of sunshine each day in the Cook Islands in December – that's around 38% of daylight hours.
Sunrise & sunset in December?
Sunrise is around 5:50am with sunset around 7:15pm.
How warm is the sea in the Cook Islands in December?
The average sea temperature in the Cook Islands in December is 26°C (78°F), which is pleasant for swimming.
Does it rain in the Cook Islands in December?
Monthly rainfall in the Cook Islands in December averages 161mm (6in), distributed across 11 days on average.
How windy is it in the Cook Islands in December?
December sees an average wind speed of around 22 kilometres per hour (14 mph; 12 knots). The predominant average wind direction in the Cook Islands is from the east.
What to do in the Cook Islands in December?
Despite the sometimes wet weather, December is still good for a range of water sports, including swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and kitesurfing.
Local holidays?
Christmas Day and Boxing Day – 25/26th Dec; New Year's Eve – 31st Dec. December is considered high season and hotel and flights should be booked early.
Cook Islands – December Weather Averages
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High Temp: 29°C (84°F) |
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Low Temp: 23°C (73°F) |
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Sunshine: 5 hours per day |
13
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Daylight: 13 hours per day |
 |
Wet Days: 11 days with some rain |
 |
Rainfall: 161 mm (6 in) per month |
 |
Comfort Level: Moderate heat; ≤ 28 muggy days |
11
 |
UV Index: Extreme |
 |
Wind speed: 22 km/h (14 mph; 12 knots). |
 |
Sea Temp: 26°C (78°F) |
| Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands | |
Best time to visit the Cook Islands
The best time of year to visit the Cook Islands is during the winter dry season from June through September.
For warmer weather visit in April and May, or in October and November when you can expect higher temperatures but also the probability of more rain showers.
› Cook Islands weather overview…
Cook Islands weather by month
Source: Meteorological data for the Cook Islands is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1992 to 2021 by the Cook Islands Meteorological Service at the closest weather station: Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), located less than 3km (2mi) west of Avarua Harbour. Additional climate data is sourced from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
More about the Cook Islands…
Latest update: Cook Islands weather in December: 12 June, 2024
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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