Cook Islands in December?

Hi,

I might spend some time in NZ in December but would like to combine the trip with some Pacific Island.
I have been to Samoa, Tonga and Fidji - thus was thinking of the Cooks just to relax, maybe Vanuatu.
However that's not the best time of the year to go there.
How bad is it really?
Thanks!

December is the southern summer so it will be warmer and more humid. Average temps in the Cook Islands will be in the mid to upper 20s C and occasionally get into the low 30s. There is usually a breeze to temper things. It is also cyclone season so that is also something to consider. It is the tropics after all and all that that entails.

The Cook Islands are still relatively undiscovered especially Aitutaki which is a real get-away kind of place and a perfect place to just relax.

Hello Araura,

I don't mind the humidity and that it is warmer. But - unless there is a cyclone: Does it rain all the time or would you rather encounter short showers and then clearing up again?
My travel agent said that most likely one would have only an overcast sky, no sun - and that would spoil my holiday.

Thanks

Hi nene, it's impossible to accurately predict the weather as you well know. I have seen it be inclement for a week or two but that's not the norm. Given the world wide weather patterns, I'm not really sure what the 'norm' is any more. If your travel agent says that all you will see is an overcast sky the whole time, I am afraid that's not accurate.
Here is a web site that gives a comprehensive history of the weather on Rarotonga
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=34819&cityname=Rarotonga-Rarotonga-Cook-Islands

NZ has a lot of scenery, so you may find you need more time already, to explore more fully including both islands.

But have you also considered Norfolk Island as a place to relax, and which has a weekly flight from Auckland?

If you are still thinking/dreaming of a visit to Rarotonga, try to book accommodation in areas that receive the prevailing SE wind including Muri and Titikaveka during December.

We've just left Rarotonga (mid-November) and although there were some (at times, heavy) showers there was lots of bright blue skies and gorgeous sunshine too. It will deteriorate as time goes past and as mentioned, get more humid and more showers. It's Tropical, which means most days will be hot and humid and there's ALWAYS a chance of rain but only one day in ten was a washout while we were there and you're probably get a mix if you go in December.

Muri is a good option, but more pricey than other areas. I suggest somewhere like Tiare village which cheap, near town and airport and sheltered from wind/rain as it's not on the coast. Buses are so regular and the island's small enough to get round to anywhere in 30 mins from the town that being on a beach all the time doesn't have to be a necessity. The backpacker places we stayed at were overpriced and pretty miserable so I would avoid these. For the same price you can get a much nicer spot away from the hoards.

Peter,
atlasandboots.com