January weather forecast
Cook Islands

January marks the peak of the wet season in the Cook Islands, characterized by high temperatures, significant rainfall, and heightened humidity. This month is typically one of the warmest, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Humidity levels rise due to the increased evaporation under the warm sun, often leading to occasional, yet intense, tropical rain showers.

In terms of geographical differences, weather conditions can vary slightly among the islands. The northern group of islands, including Penrhyn and Manihiki, generally experience lower rainfall levels compared to the southern group, which includes the capital city, Rarotonga, and the popular tourist island, Aitutaki. For instance, Rarotonga and Aitutaki often see January rainfall exceeding 250mm (9.84"), due to their mountainous terrains that enhance rainfall through orographic lift.

The month of January also falls within the South Pacific cyclone season. While cyclones are not a common occurrence in the Cook Islands, there is a potential risk during this period. These tropical storms, if they occur, can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, significantly affecting local weather conditions.

Comparatively, January is warmer and wetter than the preceding month of December, as it sits right at the heart of the wet season. Looking ahead, the high temperature and rainfall persist into February, maintaining similar conditions. Consequently, these summer months offer a truly tropical climate experience, defined by warmth, humidity, and regular showers.

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• Roto - January »
  The month with the most rainfall in Roto, Cook Islands, is January, when the rain falls for 27.2 days and typically aggregates up to 268mm (10.55") of precipitation. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the lowest UV index in Roto, Cook Islands.
• Tauhunu - January »
  The months with the warmest seawater in Tauhunu are January through June, October through December, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F). The months with the warmest seawater in Tauhunu are January through June, October through December, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F).
• Mapumai - January »
  On the first day of January in Mapumai sunrise is at 05:56 and sunset at 19:15. The months with the most rainfall in Mapumai are January and March, with an average 155mm (6.1") of precipitation.
• Avarua District - January »
  January through March, with an average of 17h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Avarua District, Cook Islands. The month with the most rainfall in Avarua District is January, when the rain falls for 17 days and typically aggregates up to 267mm (10.51") of precipitation.
• Arutanga - January »
  The month with the most rainfall in Arutanga is January, when the rain falls for 22.5 days and typically aggregates up to 159mm (6.26") of precipitation. In Arutanga in January, during 22.5 rainfall days, 159mm (6.26") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Omoka Village - January »
  Omoka Village's warmest months, January, March through July, September through December, record an average high-temperature of 31°C (87.8°F). The months with the most sunshine in Omoka Village are January and March, with an average of 18h of sunshine.
• Mangarei Village - January »
  January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Mangarei Village. January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Mangarei Village.
• Oneroa Village - January »
  The months with the highest UV index in Oneroa Village, Cook Islands, are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12. January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Oneroa Village.
• Tautu - January »
  The month with the most rainfall in Tautu is January, when the rain falls for 22.5 days and typically aggregates up to 159mm (6.26") of precipitation. The month with the most rainfall in Tautu is January, when the rain falls for 22.5 days and typically aggregates up to 159mm (6.26") of precipitation.
• Nukuao - January »
  In Nukuao in January, during 23.4 rainfall days, 155mm (6.1") of precipitation is typically accumulated. Kicking off the year, January in Nukuao, Cook Islands showers the region with steady rainfall.
• Ngatiarua - January »
  January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Ngatiarua, Cook Islands. Ngatiarua's shift into January is marked by a subtle change to a still warm 27.2°C (81°F) from December's 26.5°C (79.7°F) in temperature.
• Karanga Village - January »
  January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Karanga Village, Cook Islands. The months with the most rainfall in Karanga Village, Cook Islands, are January and March, with an average 155mm (6.1") of precipitation.