What's the weather Like in Rarotonga in August
Temperature
August is one of the coolest times of the year on the island. Daily average temperatures in this month range from a high of 25C (75F) to a low of 20C (68F), with an overall average of 23C (73F). These temperatures are similar to those in places such as Tahiti and Samoa. The average sea temperature in Rarotonga is 25C (77F) in August, some of the coolest temperatures all year but still suitable for water activities in the island's lagoon.
Sunshine Hours
You'll see the year's highest levels of sunshine in August with an average of 11 hours a day, just under the highs of 12 daily hours in September and October. While some clouds will hang over the centre of the island, the cover is minimal in August.
Rainfall
August falls in the middle of Rarotonga's dry season (from June to October), so you can expect sunny skies if you arrive in this month. August has an average of 15 rainy days with an overall average rainfall of 70mm. The precipitation occurs during brief shows in the afternoons.
Humidity
August is the least humid month on the island. The average relative humidity is 80%, with humidity of around 81% in the mornings and 72% in the evenings.
Sunrise and Sunset
The duration of daylight is constantly increasing in August. On August 1, the sun comes up at 7:10 am and sets at 6:20 pm, giving the island 11:10 hours of daylight. On August 31, sunrise happens at 6:49 am and sundown takes place at 6:29 pm, with 11:40 hours of total daylight.
Wind Speed
You can expect moderate winds of 5.2 m/s in July, thanks to the trade winds that blow in from the east from May to October.
Extreme Weather
Falling outside the South Pacific's cyclone season that spans from November to April, August has little chance of seeing a major storm. The Cook Islands are less likely to get hit by tropical cyclones compared to countries such as New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. On the rare occasions that tropical cyclones hit Rarotonga, they can bring winds of up to 55 m/s (124 mph) and cause severe flooding.
Rarotonga Hotels in August
Choose glorious sunrises on the east coast or transcendent sunsets on the west. Wherever you stay, Rarotonga's lodging options are sure to present scenic moments that will make you the envy of Instagram.
Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach
With luxury beach huts that would make any castaway envious, Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach offers an upscale way to immerse in traditional Pacific Rim culture. The adults-only boutique retreat on the southwest shore has deluxe thatch-roofed bungalows with rattan walls, elegant pearl shell design elements and bathrooms with rich Italian marble. Sip an exotic cocktail at the pool's swim-up bar. Melt under the healing hands of a masseuse at a world-class spa. Savour traditional Polynesian tastes at the Bluewater Grill, or go gourmet with Asian fare at the Ginger Garden eatery. It all lies just steps from the Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve, home to some of the island's best snorkelling spots.
Manea Beach Villas
A solid three-star choice by the edge of the Muri Lagoon, Manea Beach Villas has a handful of three-bedroom guest houses with lagoon or garden views. Beachfront accommodations have kitchens, lounge areas, private decks and patios with outdoor seating. Master bedrooms have air conditioning for those balmy tropical nights. A walk of ten minutes brings you to a number of restaurants and shops while a 15-minute drive delivers you to the Rarotonga International Airport. As "manea" means "beautiful" in the island's native tongue, this intimate escape surely lives up to its name.
Wellesley Hotel Rarotonga
A three-star boutique bed-and-breakfast, Wellesley Hotel Rarotonga has comfortable accommodations that are a six-minute walk from the Avarua district's town centre and a ten-minute walk from the bustling Punanga Nui Market. Laze by an outdoor pool in a garden setting with magnificent mountain views. Dine alfresco on seasonal delights at the on-site Lazy Trout Café and Restaurant. The adults-only getaway has plenty of free perks that include a complimentary airport shuttle, daily breakfast and the free use of bicycles to explore the island.
The Islander Hotel
A mid-range option across the road from the airport, the Islander Hotel has large air-conditioned guestrooms with ocean views and colourful Polynesian décor. Enjoy casual island cuisine at the Coco Grill Restaurant & Tiki Bar, and delight in an exotic cocktail on a deck overlooking the lagoon at the Hula Bar. You can plunge into an outdoor pool, snorkel in the sea with complimentary gear, or settle into a sun lounger on the beach. To explore the area, take a ten-minute walk to the shops and cafés of downtown Avarua.
Rarotonga Beach for August
Tikioki Beach
Tikioki Beach is known as one of the island's best spots for snorkelling. Calm waters and a ban on fishing in the area mean you can count on abundant colourful marine life including angelfish, puffers and giant bluefin trevally. A four-minute drive from Muri Beach, the peaceful shores of Tikioki offer an easy escape from Rarotonga's more-populated beaches. Tikioki is also popular with families who enjoy the wide shallow stretches of lagoon that are safe for splashing with the kids.
Bars and Restaurants
Kick off your shoes and sink your toes in the sand at beach bars. Relax amid tropical gardens at Asian-inspired eateries or indulge in island barbecue at a local joint with live music. Rarotonga's restaurants and bars aim to deliver the dining experience you desire on your tropical getaway.
Bamboo Jacks
Bamboo Jacks is all about Asian cuisine. Drawing on Chinese, Korean, Indonesian and Malaysian influences, the restaurant offers eclectic fare at a modern indoor space and outdoors in an exotic garden. Delight in dishes such as savoury Massaman curry, spicy Beef Rendang and Thai-style fish cakes with chilli jam. Bamboo Jacks serves dinner from Sunday to Friday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and lunch on Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Shipwreck Hut at the Aro'a Beachside Inn
Castaways the world over have found a home at the Shipwreck Hut. Set on the sand at the Aro'a Beachside Inn, the cosy joint is famed for its barbecue nights and a Katikati-style menu with small plates for sampling and sharing. Exotic cocktails like the house special Guava Colada are served in jam jars. Evenings feature live music with piano players and ukulele pluckers. The Shipwreck Hut is open daily from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Coco Putt Ale House
A pub at a mini-golf course? Welcome to Coco Putt Ale House. Set just back from the main road on the sunset side of the island, the bar and bistro next to mini-golf gets a rollicking crowd with live music and Sky Sports broadcasts. Locals love the Sunday night barbecue buffet with chicken, pork, steak and island-style summer salads. You can golf daily from 10 am to 8 pm while the alehouse stays open late most nights.
Café Ariki
Café Ariki serves up great food at a great price. That's why it's often filled with locals. Tucked away in an unassuming inland building, the Avarua township restaurant is known for its massive burgers, fresh salads and zesty barbecue offerings. Their signature Steak and Mushroom dish is a must-try for meat lovers, followed by peach yoghurt cake for dessert. The eatery is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2:30 pm, and from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. On Saturday it's open from 6 pm to 9:30 pm and is closed on Sunday.
Things to do in Rarotonga in August
Explore Rarotonga by Bike
Understandably, most visitors to Rarotonga focus on activities around its famed lagoon. But don't forget about land exploration. One of the best ways to traverse the island's diverse terrain is by bike. From easygoing rides around the island to plunging into adventure off-road, bicycle tours accommodate the wishes and skill levels of most riders. Hop on a bike and roll along ancient trails, through sweeping valleys and across wide plantations.
Take a Trip to the Highlands
While today most of Rarotonga's population lives along the coast, people in ancient times settled in the safer highland areas. Climb aboard an open-air transport to visit long-lost villages. Enjoy demonstrations of traditional cooking and coconut husking. Learn about the navigational stones used by ancient seafarers and visit gardens where ritual and medicinal plants grow. Cruise through the verdant valleys of Avatiu and up to lookout points with panoramic ocean views.
Head to the Harbours
In contrast to the serene snorkelling spots on Rarotonga's southern shore, the north side of the island is home to iconic ports. The Avatiu Harbour is a bustling hub where cruise ships dock, boat tours depart and fishing charters head out for deep-sea excursions. You'll also find a semi-submersible tour to a century-old shipwreck. Nearby Avarua Harbour offers a more relaxed scene. The inlet is home to a few restaurants that serve traditional seafood dishes with views of small fishing boats bringing in daily hauls.
Escape to Muri Beach
If you visit Rarotonga, you'll almost surely make it to Muri. With lagoon waters that are protected by a reef and picturesque coastal islets, Muri Beach is a base for the majority of the island's water activities. It's where you can hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, kite-surf and take a tour on a glass-bottom boat. Resorts that range from upscale to affordable offer beachfront infinity pools for spending idyllic seaside days. Stroll white-sand beaches that are backed by palm trees and swim in Muri's calm lagoon waters.
