weather in Cook islands January

Hi Guys
I'm getting conflicting advice about the weather in jan - some say its a bit rainy but only in the late afternoon while others say it pours and there are cyclones - any help greatly appreciated. Jan is the only time we can go ...will we die in a cyclone or be drowned rats?
Thanks

Mother Nature is a fickle lady....

The chances of having to sit out a tropical depression in the Cooks, (or almost anywhere in the SP,) is greatest between the months of November and May. That doesn't mean that every January has a storm. It also means that some Januarys have two or three.

If January is the only time you can go, then go ahead. The chances are that you won't run into any serious weather. Even if you do the chances of having a life-threatening experience are very small.

Sometimes it rains on your picnic and sometimes it doesn't.

thanks for this - it's always a gamble but its good to know the odds!

Good advice there from H2ooh.

The only thing I'd add is that it is humid at that time of year, so if that might bother you it might pay to look for accommodation with airconditioning.

Also likely to be more mozzies so bring repellant or buy some as soon as you arrive.

The Cook Islands has been fortunate not to receive cyclonic weather on an annual basis. The last big blow that we had on Rarotonga was in 2008. From historical information we dont expect to suffer from cyclones every summer either. While Aitutaki island experienced Cyclone Pat in February 2010, Rarotonga only caught the effects of a strong breeze.

As suggested you are more likely to feel the humid effects of summer weather. Try to stay in accommodation that is as near to the beachfront as possible, but also around Ngatangiia (includes Muri), Titikaveka and Vaimaanga which receives the SE trade-winds.

Ive been a longtime resident on Rarotonga on/off since I was a small child. At times the clouds build and we receive a tropical downpour, but as soon as this occurs the sun shines miraculously again. An interesting phenomenon. Contrasting with these brief episodes it can rain heaps in one go. However, Rarotonga has a very different geographical makeup compared to Nadi, Fiji so you wont be caught out by the same flooding conditions that island nations to the west of the Cook Islands has experienced the past two summers.

I was in the full brunt of Cyclone Sally during 1987! Powerful weather, but none of the residents was seriously harmed, and certainly no deaths. Just minor injuries resulted while residents were attempting to shore up their roofs/hurricane protection or get to higher ground fromt he beachfront. I assure you that you can resist becoming drowned rats by checking the weather before hiking across the island, and taking a light shower-proof jacket if planning to hire a scooter and venture out when rain is predicted. Also, our civil defence management is fully trained to assist all residents and visitors in case of these types of risks.

Enjoy your island stay!

thanks looks like all systems may be go

As others have said cyclone season for the Cook Islands extends from November through til April. I suggest that you begin making plans for your visit but have a contingency plan in place as well. Take out good travel insurance in the unlikely event that you are caught up in a severe blow.

Who knows? While you may receive glorious beach weather during January, it may turn wet with high seas, strong wind, trees, coconuts and debris flying in the air.

Rarotonga was subject to 5 cyclonic episodes in 2005. The really big cyclone for Rarotonga was Sally in December 1986. Are they over due for another one??

With severe storms the 2 streams in the centre of Avarua flood the immediate area with the incoming tide.
If you do go, know where the locations for evacuation centres are. Emergency management have beefed up their strategy and tactics to handle major events. There is very good cross-sectoral co-ordination to handle emergency situations around the Cook group of islands which is reassuring. And NZ is always at the ready to support.

Also be aware of dengue fever – there is an outbreak at the moment. Take lots of mosquito spray.

Apart from that it is paradise!

If there are trees, coconuts and debris flying through the air, this would equate to a severe storm, or cyclone, and visitors and guests would be warned by accommodators to remain indoors while the emergency management team based on Rarotonga inspected the conditons and carried out established contingency plans. Coconut trees growing around main guest accommodation routinely have their coconuts removed anyway to prevent the likelihood of an injury or accident from occuring.

Tsunami evacuation areas are identified by signage around the main road, and the cyclone evacuation centres are all well-known to main accommodators and operators. Ongoing community discussions and the media provide much information about planning for bad weather and similar issues should something untoward happen that stands to effect the island.

From time to time the two streams within Avarua do experience flooding, under extreme conditions only, but even if these two streams do create flooding within the immediate harbour area, there are alternative routes available to detour around the problem. Since there is only one accommodator located downtown Avarua, I doubt you will come into contact with the effects of flooding should the water-height breach the streambanks in this confined locality of Rarotonga.

Hi - I live on Raro too but only got here last July so have only been here for one Jan. All of the above is totally correct. Lagoon knows her stuff. When we arrived in July we didnt see a mosquito til end Nov when the rain started. And as long as you wear repellent when you are hiking in the hills or at dawn or dusk no matter where you are, they pose no real irritation. The weather can be glorious or a few brief showers with intermittent sunshine or if there is a low hovering off the coast, it can rain in Jan and feb especially. Ive only seen one solid block of rain when it came down for 3 days running with little letup. I thought i was growing mould after that as the humidity is wicked. But, unless there is a cyclone (and Im hoping that we arent due one as we live on the beach and the contract has another 2 years to run!) even wet weather isnt too bad. Its not like its cold. It is humid in Jan and if you need it cool to sleep, then do opt for AC in your accom. But the water is also warmest at that time of year so you can dive or snorkel or loll about in the lagoon or pool and never feel cold. Its on the wrinkly skin that signals you need to get out for a few minutes. Its also quiet here and you will get bargains on accom and trips to the outer islands (like Aitutaki) The restaurants will be pretty much all yours as the main tourist season is May - Oct.......not that its ever crowded here really. That's the beauty of it. So - i reckon if you can be here for at least 2 weeks its better so if it does rain for 3 or 4 days even, its not like its your whole holiday. DO COME. The Cooks is fabulous. I know Im biased cause I live here...but it is wonderful!

wow thanks for the help guys