WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE COOK ISLANDS

Location

Climate

Find out when is the best time to go to the Cook Islands, major cultural events, public holidays and low and high season periods to make the most of your stay in this paradise archipelago.

The seasons in the Cook Islands: when to go?

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands offer a pleasant tropical climate all year round. Nevertheless, certain periods are more favorable than others for discovering this dream destination.

The dry season: ideal for soaking up the sun

From May to October, the dry season offers temperatures between 20 and 29°C with low humidity and little rainfall. This is the ideal time to enjoy the paradise beaches and outdoor activities without being bothered by showers or stifling heat. Most visitors choose to come during these months, making it the peak tourist season in the Cook Islands.

The wet season: for discerning travellers

Between November and April, the Cook Islands experience their wet season, with high temperatures (up to 32°C) and high humidity. Rainfall is more frequent and sometimes intense, particularly from December to February. However, showers are generally short-lived, giving way to sunshine for the rest of the day. This period can be interesting for those wishing to avoid the crowd and take advantage of lower rates, but it's important to take less favorable weather conditions into account.

Major cultural events in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands have a rich culture and organize numerous events throughout the year, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local heritage and share authentic moments with the locals.

Te Maeva Nui Festival: a must-see event

Celebrated in July or August every yearThe Te Maeva Nui Festival is the Cook Islands' most important cultural event. Over the course of a week, the various islands of the archipelago come together to celebrate their independence with traditional dance performances, songs, sports competitions and colorful parades. A unique experience not to be missed if you travel during this period!

La Tiare Flower Festival: a flowery atmosphere

An ode to the natural beauty of the Cook Islands, the Tiare Flower Festival takes place every November on the main island of Rarotonga. On the program:

• flower arrangement competition,
• dance demonstrations,
• craft workshops,
• and, of course, local flower shows.

It's the ideal opportunity to discover the flora and traditions of the Cook Islands, while enjoying a festive and convivial atmosphere.

Public holidays in the Cook Islands: what to bear in mind

As in all countries, the Cook Islands celebrate several public holidays, during which certain activities may be restricted. Here are the main ones:

• New Year's Day (January 1),
• Anzac Day (April 25),
• Labour Day (first Monday in May),
• Independence Day (August 4),
• Remembrance Day (November 11),
• and Christmas (December 25).

To avoid the inconvenience of public holidays, it's a good idea to find out in advance about festivities and any restrictions that might affect your trip.

Low and high season in the Cook Islands

High season: crowds and higher prices

From May to October, the Cook Islands welcome large numbers of tourists who come to enjoy their idyllic climate and paradisiacal landscapes. Hotel, excursion and flight rates are generally higher during this period. If you wish to travel in high season, we recommend you book your accommodation and activities in advance to guarantee availability and the best prices.

Low season: an interesting alternative

If you choose to visit the Cook Islands between November and April, you'll benefit from fewer tourists and generally lower prices. However, weather conditions are less conducive to exploring the archipelago, with more rain and a wetter climate. This option will suit those seeking peace and quietwhile being aware of possible climatic hazards. So the best time to go to the Cook Islands depends on your priorities:

• If you're looking for good weather and want to enjoy cultural events, the dry season is the best time,
• if you prefer to avoid the crowds and benefit from more affordable rates, the wet season may be an option to consider, while keeping an eye on weather conditions.

The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean, are a popular destination for travelers in search of idyllic landscapes and rich culture.

Visa applications for the Cook Islands

Nationals of many countries do not need a visa to enter the Cook Islands for tourist stays of less than 31 days. However, some travelers are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival, particularly those wishing to stay longer or carry out a professional activity locally. The most commonly requested visa types are as follows:

• Visitor visa for tourist stays of over 31 days and up to 6 months.
• Temporary work visa for people wishing to work in the Cook Islands for a specific period.
• Business Visa for entrepreneurs and investors who want to create or develop a business in the Cook Islands.

These visas can be obtained from Cook Islands consulates in foreign countries or via the country's immigration service. Applications are usually processed within a few weeks, but it is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid delays.

Cook Islands immigration statistics

The number of foreigners settling in the Cook Islands varies every year, depending on economic opportunities and living conditions. Here is some data on immigration to the Cook Islands in recent years:

• In 2019, a total of 1,696 residence permits were granted by the immigration authorities.
• The main countries of origin for immigrants were New Zealand (49%)followed by Australia (18%), the Fiji (8%) and Philippines (6%).
• The majority of immigrants were aged 25 to 44 years (62%)19% were under 25 and 18% between 45 and 64.

It's also interesting to note that the total population of the Cook Islands has seen a slight increase in recent years, rising from 17,379 in 2017 to 17,564 in 2020.

Recent immigration trends

Like many other countries, the Cook Islands were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant reduction in international travel and immigration opportunities. In 2020, the total number of residence permits granted fell to 1,136, down 33% on the previous year.

International tourism figures for the Cook Islands

Tourism is a key sector for the Cook Islands economy, attracting thousands of visitors every year to enjoy the island nation's paradisiacal beaches, outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences. Here are some key figures on international tourism in the Cook Islands:

• In 2019, the Cook Islands welcomed 168,760 international visitorsThis represents an increase of 7% compared with 2018.
• The main sources of tourists were New Zealand (66%), Australia (22%), the United States (4%) and Canada (3%).
• The average length of stay was 8.5 daysThe majority of visitors were couples or families.
• Total spending by international tourists reached more than 320 million NZD (about 215 million USD) in 2019, an increase of 14% on the previous year.