Cook Islands, Cook Islands: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Cook Islands, Cook Islands? If you're planning to go to Cook Islands, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cook Islands
- Important essentials for Cook Islands
- Activities for Cook Islands
- Cook Islands in January: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in February: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in March: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in April: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in May: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in June: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in July: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in August: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in September: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in October: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in November: weather and what to pack
- Cook Islands in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cook Islands, Cook Islands
Based on the climate and weather in Cook Islands, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cook Islands, Cook Islands
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cook Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent one.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cook Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
Airplane or car necessities
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Cook Islands, Cook Islands by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Cook Islands can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Bug repellent
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
February
February in Cook Islands can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
March
If you vacation in Cook Islands during March, you may see that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
April
April in Cook Islands can be very hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
May
May in Cook Islands is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunglasses
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Bug repellent
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
June
June in Cook Islands is hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light skirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
July in Cook Islands is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
August
August in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Sandals
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
September
September is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
October
October in Cook Islands is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Sunglasses
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
November
If you are traveling to Cook Islands in November, you will notice that it is hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Sunglasses
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Loose-fit shorts
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
December
In December, Cook Islands is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Cook Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Skirts
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
If you're going to the beach
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Nablus, Palestinian territories, La Plagne, France, Crown Point, New York, United States of America, Winterthur, Switzerland, Cali, Colombia, Los Baños, Philippines, Catalonia, Spain, Jaipurhat District, Bangladesh, Yala, Thailand, Buffalo, Missouri, United States of America, and Moses Point, Alaska, United States of America.