Rarotonga, Cook Islands: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Rarotonga, Cook Islands? If you're planning to go to Rarotonga, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Based on the climate and weather in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rarotonga, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rarotonga, Cook Islands by month

January

January in Rarotonga is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Rarotonga is extremely warm. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

March

If you go to Rarotonga in March, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

April

April in Rarotonga is extremely warm. 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

May here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to find the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

Traveling to Rarotonga in July, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

In August, Rarotonga is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Rarotonga, with several of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

September

September in Rarotonga is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

If you go to Rarotonga in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

If you vacation in Rarotonga during November, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you visit Rarotonga during December, you might notice that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Cook Islands has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rarotonga. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

What to do in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga, the largest island in the Cook Islands, is a stunning tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and an array of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained. Here are the top tourist attractions in Rarotonga:

1. Muri Lagoon - A stunning lagoon with crystal clear water and a landscaped Aroa Beach. It is the perfect place for snorkeling, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach. Visitors can also take a Lagoon cruise to explore the beauty of the lagoon.

2. Punanga Nui Market - A vibrant market in the heart of the island's capital, Avarua. Visitors can find a variety of artisanal products, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs. The market opens every Saturday and is an enjoyable way to experience Rarotonga's colorful culture.

3. Te Vara Nui Village – Located in Muri, Te Vara Nui is a cultural village that offers an immersive experience of Rarotongan culture through traditional songs, dances, and legends. The village also features an extravagant overwater show with a buffet dinner, which is a highlight for many visitors.

4. Aroa Marine Reserve – This protected marine reserve is an excellent location for snorkeling and diving activities. It's home to a diverse range of tropical marine life, including giant clams, various coral species, and colorful fish.

5. Cross-Island Trek – Rarotonga is an island with plenty of walking tracks that can take you to various beaches and viewpoints; however, the Cross-Island trek is a unique experience. Hike through the lush tropical forest, cross streams, and pass by spectacular waterfalls before reaching the other side of the island.

6. Cook Island Christian Church – This historic church in Avarua dates back to the early 1800s and is one of the most popular landmarks on the Island. Visitors can admire the unique coral-stone architecture and attend a church service or a traditional service accompanied by island hymns.

7. The Rock - The rock is a stunning geological feature located in the lagoon near Titikaveka village. Visitors can hire a canoe or book a Lagoon Cruise to reach the Rock, where they can take a dip in the warm waters or sunbathe on the Rock's surfaces.

In conclusion, Rarotonga is a breathtaking beach haven that offers visitors an array of activities and attractions suited to different interests, including diving, cultural experiences, and walking tracks. A visit to the island's top tourist attractions will leave visitors mesmerized and exhilarated, creating memories they will cherish for years to come.

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.

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