What's the Weather Like in Rarotonga in March
Temperature
March is one of the warmest months of the year on Rarotonga. Daily highs equal those of February, with daily average temperatures in March ranging from a high of 29C (84F) to a low of 24C (75F). March's overall average is 27C (81F). These conditions are similar to other South Pacific locales such as Vanuatu and Tuvalu. The average sea temperature in Rarotonga in March is 28C (82F). That means you can expect the lagoon to feel refreshing as you swim, scuba dive and snorkel.
Sunshine Hours
While there will still be clear skies, expect to experience some of the year's lowest levels of sun in March. At this time, Rarotonga has an average of 8 hours a day, contrasted by the monthly highs of 12 daily hours in September and October.
Rainfall
March falls close to the middle of Rarotonga's wet season (from November to May), so prepare for some precipitation if visiting at this time. Equal to January, March ties for the rainiest month of the year with an average of 19 rainy days and an overall average rainfall of 190mm. But the rain isn't likely to ruin your trip. Afternoon downpours are brief, leaving sunny skies in the mornings and early evenings.
Humidity
Although it's not unbearable and offset by sea breezes, March is a fairly humid month. The average relative humidity in March is 85%, with humidity of around 87% in the mornings and 76% in the evenings.
Sunrise and Sunset
On March 1, the sun rises at 6:36 am and sets at 7:06 pm, creating 12:30 hours of daylight. On March 31 daybreak happens at 6:46 am and sundown takes place at 6:39 pm, with 11:53 hours of total daylight.
Wind Speed
Rarotonga is graced by a steady moderate winds, so you can expect breezes of 4.4 m/s in March.
Extreme Weather
March falls near the middle of the South Pacific's cyclone season from November to April. The Cook Islands can experience extreme weather, but they're less likely to get struck by the cyclones that hit locations such as China and Japan. Cyclones that do hit Rarotonga can bring winds of up to 55 m/s (124 mph) and cause severe flooding, but this is rare.
Rarotonga Hotels in March
Choose from accommodations with glorious sunrise views on Rarotonga's east coast and sublime sunset vistas on the west. You're sure to find lodging to fit all budgets and lifestyles on the South Pacific piece of paradise.
Te Vakaroa Villas
To revel in five-star luxury, escape to Te Vakaroa and bask in deluxe villas before unobstructed views of Muri Lagoon. Designed by one of Zen Zealand's top architects, modern one-bedroom accommodations are tucked into tropical gardens teeming with banana trees and coconut palms that gently sway in a balmy breeze. Floor-to-ceiling doors open to wide patios that overlook a spa tub and infinity pool that seems to stretch to the shimmering waters of the lagoon. You're free to use on-site kayaks and snorkelling gear to discover the waters. Cook a meal in your own kitchen, or take a short walk to one of the island's top restaurants.
Ikurangi Eco Retreat
Go glamping at Ikurangi Eco Retreat. Set in a lush garden on Rarotonga's east side, the haven offers luxury safari tents with private ensuites. Enjoy magnificent views of Mount Ikurangi from the private deck of your deluxe canvas shelter, complete with a vaulted ceiling, elegant clawfoot tub and an open-air shower with hot water. Constructed in traditional Polynesian style and designed for minimal environmental impact, the unique accommodations use solar power for your electric lights and come with all-natural beauty products. Slip on a luxurious waffle robe each morning as you await the delivery of a breakfast with fresh fruit, hearty muesli and artisanal bread.
JJ's Retreat
Less than a ten-minute walk from the beach in the Vaimaanga district, JJ's Retreat is a secluded three-star haven. A few thatched-roofed villas sit in a tropical garden that offers a welcome escape from the busier spots on the island. The open-plan accommodations have high ceilings, kitchens and shaded outdoor decks with seating for relaxing amid the natural surrounds. There's also an on-site pool and deck with sun loungers, along with barbecue facilities for grilling alfresco. You can also hop on a free-to-use bicycle and wheel over to Rutaki Beach, one of Rarotonga's best stretches of sand.
Club Raro Resort
An affordable beachfront retreat, Club Raro Resort lies along mosaic paths that wind through gardens dotted by soaring palm trees. Bright, airy and functional, air-conditioned rooms feature refrigerators and outdoor seating space. Ease into a lounge chair on one of the multiple poolside decks and then dive in to enjoy a tropical cocktail at the pool's swim-up bar. Later, savour international cuisine and Polynesian classics at the Palms Restaurant. Feel like exploring the local scene? You're just 1.5 km from the restaurants, shops and lively outdoor markets of Avarua.
Rarotonga Beach for March
Black Rock Beach
As its name suggests, Black Rock Beach is home to magnificent black volcanic rocks that lie in dramatic contrast to its pristine white beaches. Prevailing southeasterly winds help give this spot some of the calmest waters on the island, making it a top choice for both swimming and snorkelling. The black rocks also provide natural platforms for diving. The palm-lined beach is a favourite with families who like to barbecue at outdoor facilities and picnic at tables in the shade of swaying palms.
There's a reason that Muri Beach is the most popular stretch of sand on the island -- in fact, there are a few reasons. With a lagoon that's protected by small islands and a coral reef, Muri has some of Rarotonga's calmest waters for swimming and snorkelling. It's also a top spot for kayaking, paddle boarding and taking glass-bottom boat tours to visit tiny islets, which you can wade to if the tide is low and the current isn't too strong. Muri's wide white-sand beaches are perfect for picnics, scenic strolls or just lazing with family and friends. Some of the island best resorts lie on Muri Beach.
Bars and Restaurants
From high-end eateries with majestic ocean views to food stalls at traditional markets, Rarotonga is sure to pique your culinary interest. Dining also gives you the opportunity to explore different hotels and areas of the island you wouldn't otherwise visit.
Sails Restaurant
Serving on Muri Beach for more than 25 years, Sails Restaurant offers daily fresh catches in a contemporary setting. Savour island-inspired dishes such as Chilli & Pawpaw Prawns, Renga Goat Curry and Breadfruit Gnocchi. Both indoor and outdoor seating come with glorious lagoon views. Sails is open every day from 9 am to 11:30 pm.
Tuoro Restaurant & Cafe
Across from the famed Black Rock Swimming Hole in Avarua, Tuoro Restaurant & Cafe overlooks the lagoon from a tropical garden. With delights including mussel fritters and grilled-squid salad, the seafood-heavy menu has a wide selection of tapas for sampling and sharing. You'd be remiss not to try their speciality Finger Lickin' Stickin' Chicken or their signature drink Tuoro Tutti Frutti Punch. Tuoro is open from Sunday to Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.
The Anchorage Restaurant & Bar
The Anchorage Restaurant & Bar specialises in Pacific Rim cuisine. Set in tropical gardens at the Sunset Resort, the open-air eatery puts international spins on island classics with dishes such as ika mata and smoked marlin bruschetta. Live music accompanies their famed Sunday night barbecue buffet. Breakfast is from 7:30 am to 10 am, lunch is from 12 pm to 3 pm and dinner is from 6 pm to 10 pm.
The Waffle Shack
You probably didn't journey to Rarotonga for waffles, but you'll be glad you discovered the Waffle Shack. Located in the Punanga Nui Market, the shack is famous for piling topical fruit on homemade waffles and drizzling warm Nutella and creamy caramel sauce. They also serve some of the best coffee on the island. The shack is open from 8 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Things to do in Rarotonga in March
Muri Night Markets
Four nights a week the Muri Beach Village turns into a bustling culinary scene at the Muri Night Markets. On Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday you have an almost unquantifiable number of dining options at outdoor stalls and huts. Fresh fish abounds, in dishes like garlic prawns, tuna and papaya salads and a variety of seafood curries. Delight in vegetarian options at a choose-your-own-ingredients Asian grill. Satisfy your sweet tooth with island-style coconut pie. You can bring your own beer or wine and enjoy the live music that floats through the balmy evening air.
Take a Boat Tour
Sure, kayaking and paddle boarding might be fine for a vigorous day on the water, but there are times when you'll want to sit back and just enjoy the scenery. A glass-bottom boat tour is a wonderful way to discover Rarotonga's lagoon. Enjoy a cruise with traditional island music from an onboard ukelele player. Your boat makes stops for cultural displays such as tree climbing for coconuts that are husked before your eyes. Enjoy a barbecue feast and even get in some snorkelling before the boat returns to port.
Swim, Snorkel and Bask on White Sands
The beach is probably where you'll spend most of your time during your trip to Rarotonga. Backed by dense stands of swaying palm trees, the island's beaches invite relaxation the moment your toes touch the white sands. Most of Rarotonga's hotels and resorts offer complimentary beach loungers, kayaks and snorkelling equipment to ensure that you make the most of your beach time. Paddle off to explore the exotic shoreline. Grab snorkel gear and discover a world of undersea life. Rarotonga's protective reef creates a host of tranquil spots that are perfect for swimming. You've journeyed to paradise. Enjoy its beaches.
Immerse in the Local Scene
It's possible to experience a bit of everyday South Seas life on your visit to Rarotonga. Tours can take you from your resort to local villages where you'll share a meal in the home of an islander. Visit with native artisans who can show you the time-honoured crafts of weaving and wood carving. Catch a local rugby match. Away from the tourist-heavy spots in the island, discover places where ancient high priests gathered and tribal healers practised Maori medicine.
