What's the weather like in Rarotonga in October
Temperature
Rarotonga starts its slight yearly warming trend in October. Daily average temperatures range from a high of 26C (79F) to a low of 21C (70F), with an overall average of 24C (75F). These temperatures are similar to those in Hawaii and the Marshall Islands. The average sea temperature in Rarotonga is 25C (77F) in October, one of the cooler times of the year but still inviting for swimming and snorkelling in the island's lagoon.
Sunshine Hours
October has some of the year's highest levels of sunshine with an average of 12 hours a day, contrasted by the low of 7 hours a day in January. You'll still see some cloud cover over the interior of the island, but with less density than during rainier periods.
Rainfall
October falls at the end of Rarotonga's dry season (from June to October), so you won't likely be doused by downpours during this month. October has an average of 15 rainy days with an overall average rainfall of 80mm, just slightly higher than the year's low in July with 15 days and 60mm.
Humidity
Humidity is low in October. The average relative humidity in 80%, with humidity of around 84% in the mornings and 74% in the evenings.
Sunrise and Sunset
In October, the duration of daylight is constantly increasing. On October 1, the sun rises at 6:19 am and sets at 6:37 pm, creating 12:17 hours of daylight. On October 31, with the longest daylight of the month, the sun rises at 5:56 am and the sun sets at 6:49 pm, with 12:52 hours of total daylight.
Wind Speed
Coming at the end of the trade-wind period that occurs from May to October, you can expect moderate winds of 5.2 m/s coming from the east.
Extreme Weather
October falls outside the South Pacific's cyclone season from November to April. Even during the storm season, Rarotonga is are less likely to get hit by the tropical cyclones that strike locations such as New Caledonia and Vanuatu. When Rarotonga is hit by the rare cyclone, it can receive winds of up to 55 m/s (124 mph) and experience massive flooding.
Rarotonga Hotels in October
From popular places on the east coast to more-secluded spots on the west side of the island, Rarotonga accommodations offer diverse locations that share sea views in common. To meet budget needs, lodging options range from functional motels to high-end villas.
Moana Sands Beachfront Villas
On a tranquil spot along Rarotonga's southern shore, Moana Sands Beachfront Villas offers two-bedroom villas and apartments with unobstructed ocean views from patios or balconies. Open-plan accommodations have modern décor with Polynesian flair, featuring living and dining areas, kitchenettes and barbecues. It's all steps from white sands and the inviting crystalline waters of the lagoon where snorkelling and kayaking await. Moana Sands is also a seven-minute drive to Wingmore's Waterfall, an inland cascade tucked into lush tropical terrain.
Crown Beach Resort & Spa
Set in five acres of nature on the sunset coast, Crown Beach Resort & Spa has luxury suites and villas in a botanical setting. Upscale accommodations at the oceanfront adults-only retreat have balconies with dramatic garden or lagoon views. Plunge into a waterfall pool. Stroll across pristine white sands to the shore's edge for world-class snorkelling, diving and kayaking. Enjoy a casual cocktail, live entertainment and Brasserie-style dining with panoramic views at Oceans Restaurant & Bar. For a fine-dining experience, savour innovative cuisine at the elegant Flambé Restaurant. You can also explore the island's culinary scene at leading eateries nearby.
Kura's Kabanas
Nestled on the northern end of famed Muri Beach, Kura's Kabanas offers seclusion in a prime location. Studio bungalows with vaulted ceilings have kitchenettes, dining areas and private furnished patios with magnificent views of the lagoon and coastal islands beyond. The intimate resort is set in a lush patch of nature amid swaying coconut palms and rich native plants. Cook a meal at barbecue facilities and explore the lagoon with free-use kayaks and outrigger canoes. On land, the popular restaurants, bars and shops of Muri Beach are all within walking distance.
Sea Breeze Bungalow
Perched on the northeastern tip of Rarotonga's coast, Sea Breeze Bungalow has bright functional apartments in a prime location. Accommodations with private bathrooms and ocean views are set against a stunning mountain backdrop and lie just steps from the sea. Hop on a free-use bicycle to explore the restaurants and shops of the surrounding Avarua district. It's a seven-minute drive to the colourful stalls and lively vendor huts of bustling Punanga Nui Market. It's also a four-minute drive to the Cook Islands National Museum, housing exhibitions of traditional art, weapons and clothing that spotlight local heritage.
Rarotonga Beach for October
Avaavaroa Beach
With a dense line of lush palm trees that come close to the waterline, Avaavaroa Beach provides shade from the morning sun. The lush backdrop bordering shimmering lagoon waters also makes the spot perfect for dramatic photos in a romantic setting. Rarely crowded, the slender sliver of beach offers a secluded escape that contrasts more crowded spots on the southern shore. Avaavaroa is also far enough west for you to enjoy fiery sunsets.
Bars and Restaurants
Eat healthy with gourmet vegetarian fare, savour a grilled-to-perfection steak or feast on fresh-caught seafood at a beachfront shack. Rarotonga's bar and restaurant scene offers diverse options that ensure you never need to dine the same way twice.
Moana Restaurant & Bar
At the upscale Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel, Moana Restaurant & Bar specialises in a mixture of international and Pacific-fusion cuisine with a focus on local produce. As "moana" means "ocean" in Maori, the eatery has dramatic sea views from an impressive dining pavilion. On Sunday nights, you can hit the sand and listen to a live string band at a beach barbecue. The restaurant is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.
The Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar
On Rarotonga's sunset coast, the Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar embraces classic South Seas style with vintage ship fittings and seafarer's lanterns. Dine on a wooden deck or right on the sand with a hearty seafood-heavy menu. If an exotic cocktail calls, you can give the house Midori Mango Margarita a try. The Waterline serves lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Friday, and dinner from 6 pm to 11:30 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
Captain Andy's Beach Bar & Grill
Named after the region's colourful trader Captain Andy Thomson, Captain Andy's Beach Bar & Grill embodies the late skipper's famed fondness for a laid-back lifestyle. Dine on a wide wooden deck that overlooks the blue waters of the lagoon, or indoors amid an eclectic collection of memorabilia that chronicles the island's history. The all-day menu is as diverse, offering omelettes, pizzas, curries, seafood classics and vegetarian options. Captain Andy's serves daily from 7 am to 9 pm.
The New Place Café
What's the name of that new place? The New Place Café. In the centre of Avarua, the bright and breezy eatery serves on a wooden deck that's shaded by tropical trees. With a focus on healthy eats and vegetarian fare, the menu offers breakfast delights such as smoked-fish bagels and gluten-free banana bread. For lunch try prawn tempura or one of their many curries. The café is open from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Things to do in Rarotonga in October
Paddle to New Places
Islanders have been paddling outrigger canoes in the calm waters that encircle Rarotonga for centuries. You can continue the tradition in a kayak, either solo or in a craft constructed for two. A five-minute drive from the centre of Muri, Tikioki Beach is a great place to explore by kayak. The lagoon waters comprise a marine reserve with magnificent coral and a multitude of fish species. After you've explored, you'd be remiss not to head across the road to Fruits of Rarotonga. The smoothie shop is a local institution and said by many to serve the freshest and coolest tropical refreshments on the island.
Market Meals by Day and Night
The Muri Night Markets is a must-do for foodies, people watchers and lovers of live music. Four nights a week, food stalls offer an eclectic range of cuisine, from contemporary classics such as Cajun chicken to traditional island dishes including grilled fish with pawpaw. You can catch live music on Thursday and Sunday, which also see a greater number of food vendors. The Punanga Nui Market is open from Monday to Saturday -- the day it has the most culinary options with huts serving everything from gourmet seafood to some of the freshest tropical fruit smoothies you can find in the South Seas.
Bounce Around in a Buggy
Off-road adventure probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you dream of a getaway on Rarotonga. But you can bump and jump across the island's interior in a go-kart-style beach buggy. Tours set off from Muri Village and head into the hinterland with culture-rich stops along the way. Tear along trails to a remote facility that produces cold-pressed coconut oil. Ascend rocky terrain to a lookout over the sea at the Avarua Passage where ancient seafarers set off for shores unknown. You can even stop at a golf range to hit a few balls before bouncing your way back to Muri.
See Rarotonga by Bike
Hiring a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore Rarotonga. You can even select an electric ride to aid with the pedalling. However you choose, a bike tour takes you to mountain terrain, through dense forest and across wide plantations to remote villages. Glide along the winding trails of the Ancient Coral Road. Refresh by cool creeks surrounded by unspoiled nature. End your ride with an invigorating plunge into lagoon waters off a deserted beach.
