What's the weather Like in Rarotonga in July
Temperature
With temperatures just slightly lower than those in June, July is the coolest time of the year on Rarotonga. Daily average temperatures in July range from a high of 25C (77F) to a low of 20C (68F), with an overall average of 23C (73F). These temperatures are similar to those in French Polynesia and Fiji. The average sea temperature in Rarotonga is 25C (77F) in July. While this is the coolest water temperature you'll experience all year, it's still comfortable for water activities in Rarotonga's famed lagoon.
Sunshine Hours
Falling in the year's mid-range level of sunshine, July has an average of 10 hours a day, contrasted by the highs of 12 daily hours in September and October and a low of 7 hours a day in January. Cloud cover that is a constant over Rarotonga's interior is minimal in July.
Rainfall
The driest month on the island, July falls in Rarotonga's dry season (from June to October). July has an average of 15 rainy days with an overall average rainfall of 60mm, contrasted by the yearly high in January with 19 days and overall precipitation of 190mm. Even though there is rain for nearly half of the days in July, these showers are brief an usually occur in the afternoons.
Humidity
The average relative humidity in July is 80%, with humidity of around 81% in the mornings and 73% in the evenings. This is the lowest humidity you will experience all year, contrasted by an average of 85% in January.
Sunrise and Sunset
In July, the duration of daylight is constantly increasing. On July 1, the sun rises at 7:17 am and sets at 6:08 pm, creating 10:51 hours of daylight. On July 31 daybreak happens at 7:10 am and sundown takes place at 6:20 pm, with 11:09 hours of total daylight.
Wind Speed
You can expect moderate winds of 5.2 m/s in July, generated by the trade winds that come from the east from May to October.
Extreme Weather
July falls outside of the South Pacific's cyclone season from November to April. In general, Rarotonga has a low chance of getting impacted by a tropical cyclone with probability similar to American Samoa and in contrast to a more high-risk spots such as Tonga.
Rarotonga Hotels in July
From dorm lodging to high-end villas, Rarotonga's wide range of accommodations meet the needs of all. Most options fall in the middle with a mix of comfort and affordability.
Sea Change Villas
Set in a garden sanctuary, Sea Change Villas offers an upscale getaway with private courtyards, personal pools and patios that have inspiring views of Titikaveka Lagoon. One, two and three-bedroom villas feature full kitchens, lounge areas and high-end home theatre systems. A short stroll across the green grounds brings you to a private white-sand beach, where you can use complimentary stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear in the lagoon's shimmering waters. Up for some exploration on land? You're a five-minute walk to the Takitumu Conservation Area, a nature reserve with guided tours through a unique tropical forest with rare orchids and superb birdwatching.
The Black Pearl at Puaikura
With an enviable spot on the sunset side of Rarotonga, the Black Pearl at Puaikura's 12 modern accommodations range from studios to one-bedroom apartments with either garden or pool views. Vibrant colour schemes splash across guestrooms that are tucked into a tropical landscape and centered around a large saltwater swimming pool. You'll also find a barbecue area and a sizeable covered recreational spot on the grounds. A one-minute walk takes you to the beach where there's fantastic snorkelling, while a 15-minute drive brings you to the bustle of downtown Avarua.
Kia Orana Villas
Set in a scenic patch of nature in the village of Atupa on the north coast, Kia Orana Villas offers a range of exclusive accommodations. One and two-bedroom villas have full kitchens, large living areas and ample balconies with barbecues. On the tropical grounds, there's an outdoor pool with a spa section, making the locale perfect for everyone from families to couples. A 15-minute walk brings you to the restaurants and shops in the centre of Avarua, while a 20-minute drive delivers you to the white sands of Nikao Beach. You're also two kilometres from both the island's airport and a top-notch golf course.
Backpackers International Hostel
Backpackers International Hostel is a good choice for budget travel. Set just back from the beach on the sunset side of the island, they offer basic single, double and dorm rooms with fans and mosquito netting at affordable prices. There's a common kitchen for making meals, and for food on the go, it's a one-minute walk to a takeaway caf and a shop. The laid-back retreat is dotted by swaying coconut palms and a short walk to snorkelling and scuba diving at the Dive Centre. It's a ten-minute walk to Cocoputt, a mini-golf course with a popular bistro and bar.
Rarotonga Beach for July
Turoa Beach
On the south shore in the Titikaveka District, Turoa Beach has palm-lined stretches of scenic sand dotted by black volcanic rocks worn smooth by the elements. Teeming with tropical fish, calm clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. At low tide, you can check out hermit crabs and other land creatures that gather at tide pools. Turoa is just a seven-minute walk from the Takitumu Conservation Area, a private nature reserve with world-class bird watching.
Bars and Restaurants
Whether you're looking to kick back at a relaxed beach bar or experience the island's rich heritage at a historical restaurant, Rarotonga's foodie scene can accommodate. In common, bars and restaurants share inspiring tropical views.
Tamarind House Restaurant & Bar
Experience South Seas life of days gone by at Tamarind House Restaurant and Bar. Set in a restored heritage house dating to 1910, the fine-dining establishment offers innovative takes on staples such as steaks, seafood and lamb. They're also known for vegetarian dishes. Take in the tranquillity with over two acres of lawns that sweep down to the shore. Tamarind is open for lunch on Thursday and Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Dinner is served from Monday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Vaima Polynesian Bar and Restaurant
Vaima Polynesian Bar and Restaurant invites you to dine indoors, outdoors on a deck, or directly on the sand. Set on Rarotonga's sunset coast, Vaima's menu focuses on Polynesian-inspired cuisine and seafood dishes such as fish curry. They're also known for their steak and a sizeable selection of international beers. Famed Vaima Cocktails also make it a wonderful spot for a sunset libation. The restaurant is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Saltwater Café
Set on Rarotonga's south coast with lagoon views, the Saltwater Café is a great place to enjoy a cold drink and take in the tropical scenery from a covered veranda. Enjoy Asian-influenced seafood dishes such as Pad Thai and Garlic Prawns, paired with one of their exotic cocktails. Save room for a dessert of homemade cheesecake. The Saltwater Café is open from Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
21.3 Vaiana's Bar & Bistro
A favourite with locals, 21.3 Vaiana's Bar & Bistro immerses you in an authentic island experience with relaxed reggae and a laid-back beach-bar vibe. The tempo picks up on the weekends with DJs and live bands. It's a great place to grab some excellent pub grub and have a swim in the lagoon's waters. The daily pre-sundown happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm has some of the cheapest drinks on the island. Vaiana's is open from 11 am to 10 pm from Sunday to Friday, from 2 pm to 10 pm on Saturday and closed on Sunday and Monday.
Things to do in Rarotonga in July
Shop Island Style
Browse eclectic shops and markets for unique items. You'll find traditional hand-sewn fabrics and clothing with Polynesian designs at cosy boutiques. Stroll the stalls of bustling Punanga Nui Market to peruse artisan works such as pearl shells with delicate etchings and a wide variety of hand-carved art. Indulge in the essence of the islands with all-natural soaps, perfumes and fragrant oils. One of the most-popular items in Rarotonga, a handmade ukulele makes for a great gift to bring local music traditions back home.
Discover Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Many who visit Rarotonga for the first time have never even seen stand-up paddleboarding. That shouldn't stop them from climbing aboard. Likened to a cross between kayaking and surfing, stand-up paddleboards are easier to handle than they may appear. The warm calm waters off of Muri Beach are a great place to practise balancing on the board. You'll soon be off exploring Rarotonga's reefs and tiny islands in stand-up style. Perhaps you'll even join a group outing that paddles at night with coloured lights.
Bask on a Beach
When you're through swimming or snorkelling or kayaking around the island, there's nothing better than some do-nothing beach time. Most hotels and resorts cater to the art of oceanfront relaxation. Laze in a hammock that's strung between palm trees. Simply enjoy the view of turquoise lagoon waters from a luxurious beach bed. You don't even need to leave the beach for food. Dine right on the sand at a seaside eatery and enjoy a tropical drink at a laid-back beach bar.
Heed the Call of Island Culture
Just outside the centre of Muri, the Te Vara Nui Village welcomes you to discover Rarotonga's rich history and deep cultural roots. A stop on the Cultural Village Tour, the site has huts that illuminate on ancient fishing techniques, weaving, wood carving and the sacred work of Marae witch doctors. Delight in a performance by a troupe of traditional dancers, and even get into the act with your own dancing to the thundering drums of Māori warriors.
