May · Cook Islands
Best time to visit Rarotonga in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Rarotonga in May
Average temperature 26°C, 167 mm of rain, about 9 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 81% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
5.8/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 26°C
- Rainfall
- 167 mm
- Humidity
- 81%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 9
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Rarotonga scores 5.8/10 for beach and coastal travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 26°C, 167 mm of rain, and roughly 9 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Rarotonga is a round island of green peaks and a turquoise lagoon, easy to circle by bus or scooter.
May in Rarotonga — middling scores, decent value
Days in May average 26°C (79°F) and humidity near 81% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
167 mm of rain signals a properly wet month, with only about 9 days with 6+ hours of sunshine to count on — build indoor options into the schedule.
That is 5.8/10 on the same scale — 12th of 12 months, versus 9.3/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, November is materially better in Rarotonga — 3.5 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Rarotonga in May?
- In May, Rarotonga averages 26°C, 167 mm of rain, and about 9 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.8/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Rarotonga?
- May earns a 5.8/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Rarotonga in May?
- Expect about 167 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 81% and there are about 9 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Rarotonga
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Rarotonga
Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.