Cook Islands in December

Christmas family travel; cyclone season starts.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatDry season begins; good value.
• JuneGreatCool evenings, dry; good diving visibility.
• JulyGreatNZ and Australian school holidays; whales arrive; Te Maeva Nui begins.
• AugustGreatConstitution Day celebrations; whales; book ahead.

• Southern Cooks · Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaiarainy

  May–October is drier and cooler (lows around 18 °C (64 °F)); December–March is humid, with heavy rain and cyclone risk, worst in February–March.May–October is drier and cooler (lows around 64 °F (18 °C)); December–March is humid, with heavy rain and cyclone risk, worst in February–March.

• Northern atolls · Penrhyn, Manihiki, Pukapukahot

  Hot all year near the equator; access by rare flights or cargo ship only.

• Avarua28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 13 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 13 rain days
• Aitutaki29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days84 °F (29 °C) / 75 °F (24 °C), 13 rain days
• Mitiaro28 °C (82 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 9 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 72 °F (22 °C), 9 rain days
• Palmerston Island28 °C (82 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 13 rain days82 °F (28 °C) / 73 °F (23 °C), 13 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas and Boxing Day

  25–26 Dec

  Returning family from NZ and Australia fill flights.

Crowds · Cook Islands

High

Prices · Cook Islands

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Cook Islands, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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