Travel Guide

Travel Essentials: Cook Islands

Before finalising your next big adventure devote some time to pre-planning to ensure you are as best prepared as possible. Included here you'll find useful 'Essential Info' with links through to the experts in Travel Health Advice, Visa Regulations, Government Travel Advice, Books and Maps.

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate	The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. June to August are the cooler months, whilst November to March marks the warmer season, with occasional tropical showers expected. The drier months from April to November have an average temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius. During the warmer, more humid and damp season from December to March the temperature ranges between 22 and 29 degrees Celsius. Severe weather is rare and infrequent.
Seasonality	As in many countries, Christmas and Easter are popular times of the year for visiting the Cook Islands.
National Holidays
25 Apr 2008	Anzac Day
02 Jun 2008	The Sovereign's Birthday
04 Aug 2008	Constitution Day
26 Oct 2008	National Gospel Day
25 Dec 2008	Christmas Day
26 Dec 2008	Boxing Day
01 Jan 2009	New Year's Day
02 Jan 2009	New Year Holiday
National Events
Te Mire Kapa (Dancer of the Year)	Occurs: April This event attracts many spectators. During the month men, women and children participate in several categories of dance, all leading up to the finals late in the month or in early May.
Gospel Day 'Nuku'	Occurs: October Religious groups from around the islands assemble together to perform religious dramas or acts, in remembrance of the arrival of the missionaries to the islands.
Tiare Festival	Occurs: November The Tiare Festival also known as the 'Flower Festival' has a different theme each year. There are competitions for the best decorated shops, schools and government buildings. Also best head or neck 'ei, best pot plant and much more. Miss Tiare Pageant and a float parade also feature during this fun week of festivities.