When to go · Cook Islands
Cook Islands in December
Mixed month. Christmas family travel; cyclone season starts.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- High
- Cook Islands
- Prices
- High
- Cook Islands
Verdict
MixedVoykit month rating for Cook Islands
Christmas family travel; cyclone season starts.
Weather in December
- Southern Cooks · Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaiarainy
May–October is drier and cooler (lows around 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° / 22°, 13 rain days
Festivals and holidays
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 and prices
- Crowds · Cook Islands
- High
- Prices · Cook Islands
- High
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast