What is the Weather Like in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in May?
Welcome to winter in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands! However, it’s probably not winter as you know it… The Cook Islands’ winter means that it’s just a little less hot and humid but still warm enough to satisfy beach-lovers with temperatures often around 27°C / 80°F. However, it does take a little longer for the Northern Cook Islands to catch up with the winter trend. For travellers, expect a more tranquil atmosphere than the busier tourist seasons that kicks into gear next month. So, learn about the typical temperatures, rainfall and more in this guide to the Rarotonga and Cook Islands weather in May.
Before we jump into this weather guide for May, be sure to bookmark Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate and The Best Time to Visit the Cook Islands for more advice.
5 Tips for Visiting the Cook Islands in May
- May is considered a tourist shoulder season in the Cook Islands, so look out for good deals on flights and accommodation
- Toward the end of May, you’ll need to plan your trip a bit earlier than during the low season. We recommend booking your trip at least two weeks (or more) in advance
- The visibility for scuba diving and snorkelling is better compared to previous months, so pack the snorkel mask or book a dive trip
- Wear high-factor reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the corals
- While May is during the “dry season”, know that it could still rain at any time. Pack a rain jacket if you plan on doing any of those island hikes.
© Zhang Da Qiang - Cook Islands TourismTypical Temperatures in May
Locals will say that the Cook Islands “winter” has begun, but to visitors, it will feel far from your typical winter with temperatures reaching average highs of 27°C / 81°F. Expect to experience much warmer temperatures in the Northern Cook Islands. Temperatures are slightly cooler the further south you go, ending with the coolest in Rarotonga and Mangaia. The lowest temperatures experienced in May are around 21°C / 70°F, often at night.
Temperatures Across the Cook Islands
- Rarotonga – The average maximum temperature is 27°C / 81°F and the minimum average temperature is 21°C / 70°F
- Aitutaki – The average maximum temperature is 28°C / 82°F and the minimum average temperature is 22°C / 72°F
- Mangaia – The average maximum temperature is 27°C / 81°F and the minimum average temperature is 21°C / 70°F
- Mitiaro – The average maximum temperature is 28°C / 82°F and the minimum average temperature is 22°C / 72°F
- Manihiki (North) – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the minimum average temperature is 25°C / 77°F
- Penrhyn (North) – The average maximum temperature is 31°C / 88°F and the minimum average temperature is 25°C / 77°F.
Sea Temperature in May
The Cook Islands has warm sea temperatures all year round, but start to drop a little after the summer season ends and the dry season begins in May. Sea temperatures in May are at an average of 26°C / 79°F.
© PixabayHours of Sun in May
Typical of a winter season, the days start to get shorter in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in May. Nevertheless, “short days” in the Cook Islands might not be considered that short with the average daylight hours still being around 11 hours a day. Sunshine hours are typically around 5 hours a day, which is much more sun than what’s experienced later in the dry season.
UV Levels During May
While UV levels drop significantly compared to the Cook Islands’ summer months, the UV levels are still at 7 UV index around midday. Be sure to wear high-factor sunscreen. For advice on sunscreen, take a look at our The Best Sunscreens for the Cook Islands + Sun Protection Tips.
Sunrise and Sunset During May
May has daylight hours lasting about 11 hours a day in the Cook Islands.
- Sunrise: 6.57 am at the beginning of May and 7.09 am at the end of May
- Sunset: 6.15 pm at the beginning of May and 6.05 pm at the end of May.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comRainfall in May
While it’s officially the “dry season” that doesn’t mean that the rain has gone for the whole season. Yes, May does still experience some rainy days, typically 9 days out of the month as an average. Showers are usually short-lived, however, not causing too much delay to your travel plans or sunbathing sessions.
The Cook Islands receives an average of 205 mm / 8.1″ of rainfall in the month of May, with around 9 days of the month experiencing rain.
Average Rainfall Across the Cook Islands
- Rarotonga – The average rainfall in May is 205 mm / 8.1″
- Aitutaki – The average rainfall in May is 174 mm / 6.9″
- Mangaia – The average rainfall in May is 177 mm / 7″
- Mitiaro – The average rainfall in May is 161 mm / 6.3″
- Manihiki (North) – The average rainfall in May is 149 mm / 5.9″
- Penrhyn (North) – The average rainfall in May is 152 mm / 6″.
© UnsplashTropical Storms in May
The South Pacific cyclone season starts in November and ends in April, so it’s highly unlikely that a tropical cyclone will occur in the Cook Islands in May. Nevertheless, it’s always best to be prepared, as small-scale cyclones have historically developed across the South Pacific in May. Check out our tips in our guide, Cyclone Safety in the Cook Islands.
For travellers who find cyclones a major concern, perhaps choose a month with less risk, such as July or August.
© David Kirkland - Cook Islands TourismBest Places to Visit in the Cook Islands in May
May is a good time to visit any of the Cook Islands thanks to the lower tourist numbers, generally better travel deals and idyllic weather. While we list all of the Cook Islands in What are the 15 Islands in the Cook Islands? for inspiration, a few recommendations for May include:
Rarotonga – Rarotonga is the most popular island to visit in the Cook Islands yet a little quieter in May before the high season really kicks in. Take advantage of its well-developed tourism scene, such as resorts and tours. Showers are often short and sweet in May, so shouldn’t put too much of a damper on your travel plans. Find out more about what Rarotonga is all about in the 50 Best Things to Do on Rarotonga.
Aitutaki – For similar reasons as visiting Rarotonga, Aitutaki is worth visiting in May not only for its developed tourist scene but for the occasional good deal on flights and accommodation. Aitutaki is a little less rainy than Rarotonga if that’s a determining factor for you. Learn more about what to do in Aitutaki in the 20 Best Things to Do on Aitutaki.
Mangaia – For something a little more off the beaten track, Mangaia is quiet all year round and experiences glorious weather in May. See what Mangaia is all about in the 15 Best Things to Do in Mangaia.
Again, any of the islands are decent to visit during May, so we recommend researching more on the subject using A Guide to the Best Islands of the Cook Islands.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMay Packing List for Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Be prepared for the Cook Islands in May by packing these few seasonal essentials:
- Light clothing layer (cotton or linen preferably so it is super light)
- Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from the sun and take the edge off those slightly cooler nights)
- Light pants/trousers (to cover the knees when appropriate – church service or to protect from mosquitoes when hiking, for example)
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Closed walking shoes
- Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
- Sarong (pāreu – available in the Cook Islands; it’s a good way to cover up when exploring the towns after swimming)
- Insect repellent
- High-factor sunscreen (that’s reef-safe and water-resistant)
- Light rain jacket (just in case).
Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Cook Islands Packing List.
More About the Weather in Rarotonga and Cook Islands in May
That’s it for our complete guide to the weather and climate in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands in May. Check out the following articles for more weather advice:
- Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather, Seasons & Climate + Cook Islands Weather by Month
- The Best Time to Visit Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: A Month by Month Guide
- Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather in March
- Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather in April
- Rarotonga & the Cook Islands Weather in June
Finally, enjoy a comprehensive guide to planning a trip to the Cook Islands in The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
