Best time to visit Rarotonga & Cook Islands

Beach Season in Rarotonga & Cook Islands

Clear waters, shallow lagoons, white sand beaches, and hidden places offer the best beach holidays for all kinds of vacation. Whether you are travelling with your family, enjoying a honeymoon, or looking for some adventures the Cook Islands have something for everyone!

Best time: June–October

Beach Season
Beach Season

If you are looking for amazing beach holidays the Cook Islands are the place to go. The warm waters of the South Pacific Ocean and unique secluded islands are a real beach-lovers' paradise. With some of the clearest pristine waters in the world with perfect visibility, it is a great place for diving and snorkelling. The outer reefs with breaking waves and trade winds make them perfect for surf sports. The calm beaches and secluded islands are the best places for couples and honeymoons.

One of the best beaches for families is Muri beach on Rarotonga island. It is the safest place for kids, protected from the open ocean waters by four off-shore islets. One more family beach with a long and wide gentle coastline is Black Rock and Nikao beach. It's the most popular place for local families. Couples can find themselves very comfortable on One Foot Island. This is one of the most romantic places on the planet.

Some of the clearest waters you've ever seen together with a charming blue lagoon, coconut trees, and sandy beaches offer the most calming and relaxed vacation available. Aroa beach in Rarotonga is one more hidden paradise for a romantic holiday. Maina Island, one of the islands from Aitutaki atoll, is also a favourite honeymoon island. These beaches are also good places for birdwatching with a huge population of seabirds. The best time to enjoy sunbathing is the dry season from June to October.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Rarotonga and Cook Islands?

The ideal period to experience Rarotonga and Cook Islands at their best is from June to October. During this time, one can relish abundant sunshine, and temperatures range between 18 to 28 °C. This season is characterized by crystal clear water for swimming, diving, and other water sports activities as well as fewer crowds on the beaches. Show more

Where are the best beaches for families in Rarotonga and Cook Islands?

Muri Beach is considered the safest beach for families in Rarotonga, with four off-shore islets and protection from open ocean waters. Nikao Beach and Black Rock are also popular with families due to their gentle coastline and safe shallow waters that are perfect for picnics and play. Show more

What are the best beaches for honeymooners in Rarotonga and Cook Islands?

Cook Islands boast numerous secluded beaches that newlyweds can explore. One Foot Island, Maina Island, and Aroa Beach frequently top the list of best beaches for honeymooners. One Foot Island is renowned for its picturesque turquoise lagoon, serene white sandy beaches, and clear waters that offer privacy for couples. Similarly, Aroa Beach offers an equally enchanting experience for romantic getaways. Show more

How is the snorkelling and diving scene in Rarotonga and Cook Islands?

Coral reefs surround the Cook Islands, making them an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The island of Rarotonga is recognized for its exceptional lagoon diving, and the atoll of Aitutaki is popular among experienced divers. The diving experience promises an exploration of the multi-coloured coral reef and an array of marine life. Show more

What unique activities can be done on the beaches of Rarotonga and Cook Islands other than swimming and sunbathing?

Apart from the usual swimming and sunbathing activities, tourists can explore several other unique activities on Rarotonga and Cook Islands beaches. Kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing are popular water activities. Birdwatching is another unique beach excursion to explore the plethora of seabirds, including the Pacific golden plover, long-tailed cuckoo, and the Rarotonga monarch. Visitors can also participate in cultural activities, such as traditional dancing and local cooking, hosted by some resorts. Show more

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