WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO COME?
This is our most-frequently asked question. Of course, the popular time of year for Aussies and Kiwis escaping winter at home is to come during June – October, which is a great time of year to come, as its much nicer and warmer here in Paradise than it is back home. An added bonus during these months is seeing the migrating humpback whales pass by just beyond the coral reef.
Many people though seem to think it’s best to avoid the months from November through to April, yet by doing so they’re avoiding some of the very best months of the year to come! Despite ‘island myths’ that you may have heard, these months are by no means uncomfortably hot nor wet. There are ‘seasons’ even in Paradise, and by avoiding these months travellers miss out on some wonderful, seasonal aspects of life on Rarotonga, such as fresh mangoes, pineapples, guavas, lychees and avocados (yum!), the vibrant spectacle of the flamboyant (flame) trees in full flower lining the Circle Island Road (also known as Rarotonga’s Christmas Tree), and the haunting beauty and aroma of the yellow or pink tipani (frangipani).
If you’re a summer bride back home, then a tropical island honeymoon here at The Rarotongan will be an absolutely ideal exotic escape. And if you’re planning on saying ‘I do’ on famous Aroa Beach at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa and you have your heart set on a frangipani bouquet, do make sure you set the date for when frangipanis are in season, and your wedding day will be perfect in Paradise!
These months are also sometimes called the ‘rainy season’ but are actually only slightly wetter than the ‘dry season’. The Cook Islands doesn’t have a wet season, such as for example India has with its monsoons, or some Pacific islands closer to the Equator have with their afternoon tropical downpours that you can almost set your clock by. By contrast, the climate here is very similar all year round, with only slight variations in temperature and rainfall.
Any tropical showers – whether during the ‘rainy’ or the ‘dry’ season - are usually warm, short-lived, and generally occur at night in any case. Don’t miss coming to Rarotonga any time from November right through to April / May – it’s a great time to be here. Having lived here for over a decade, my favourite month of all is actually January – just gorgeous. And another thing, because these are our ‘summer’ months – the days are longer, so you get to enjoy more sunshine hours on your vacation – and very often, stunning tropical sunsets too!
Of course, around January / February is when many Aussies and Kiwis head to the beach at home. But in Aussie that often means ‘no swimming’ due to deadly jellyfish, sharks etc. In New Zealand it can often mean very long, hot rides in the car to get to a final destination. Instead one can hop on the plane and be in Rarotonga within 3 ½ hours from Auckland, and sitting on a secluded, pristine white sandy beach minutes later, with a clear blue lagoon at your feet. So this year, why not do the unexpected and head to Rarotonga when all the throngs are heading to a beach back home. That way you’ll get to take advantage of lower room rates at The Rarotongan AND some of the best weather, fruits and flowers the island has to offer! Clever you!
So the answer to “When’s the best time to come?” is this: absolutely any time of year is a wonderful time to visit Paradise here in the Cook Islands. Whether January or July, you’ll always receive a genuinely warm welcome here at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa.
TRAVELLERS TIPS + RESORT COMPENDIUM
Check out our comprehensive and informative online Travellers Tips and Resort Compendium sections. Any question you may have is almost certain to be answered there.
EMAIL US!
If you still have a burning question, feel free to email us at info@rarotongan.co.ck and we’ll be pleased to help.
