Things to Do in Cook Islands in May

May Weather in Cook Islands

28°C (82°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect trade wind season with consistent 15-20 knot (28-37 km/h) easterly winds making water activities comfortable and keeping temperatures pleasant
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to peak July-August, with luxury resorts averaging NZ$400-600 per night instead of NZ$700+
Minimal cyclone risk - May sits safely outside the November-April cyclone season, giving you reliable weather patterns for planning
Peak fishing season for mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna with water temperatures at optimal 26-27°C (79-81°F), making this the best month for deep-sea fishing

Considerations

Higher rainfall than dry season with 10 rainy days averaging 12mm (0.5 inches) per day - showers typically last 1-2 hours in late afternoon
Moderate humidity at 70% combined with warm temperatures can feel oppressive during midday hours 11am-3pm for those sensitive to humidity
Some outer island flights may experience weather delays 15-20% more frequently than dry season months due to variable conditions

Best Activities in May

Aitutaki Lagoon Snorkeling Tours

May offers perfect visibility in Aitutaki's lagoon with 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility and calm conditions. Water temperature sits at comfortable 26°C (79°F) while trade winds keep surface conditions ideal. Fewer crowds than peak season mean better positioning at One Foot Island and Honeymoon Island. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon rain showers that occur 60% of days.

Booking Tip: Book lagoon tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators, typically NZ$85-120 per person. Morning departures (8am) are most reliable for weather. Look for operators with covered boats and multiple snorkel sites. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Rarotonga Cross-Island Trek

May's moderate temperatures and higher humidity create lush, green conditions perfect for the 7km (4.3 mile) cross-island hike. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) with cloud cover make the steep 413m (1,355 ft) climb to Te Rua Manga (The Needle) more comfortable than dry season months. Waterfalls run stronger due to recent rainfall, offering better swimming opportunities at the valley pools.

Booking Tip: Start at 7am to complete the 4-5 hour trek before afternoon showers. Guided treks cost NZ$75-95 per person and include transportation. Book 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides who know current track conditions. Independent hikers need to register with police.

Outer Island Cultural Village Tours

May coincides with traditional food preparation season when locals harvest taro and breadfruit. Village tours on Atiu, Mangaia, and Mauke offer authentic experiences with fewer tourist groups. Cave explorations on Atiu benefit from May's stable weather patterns, while traditional weaving demonstrations peak as women prepare crafts for upcoming tourist season.

Booking Tip: Outer island day tours range NZ$180-250 including flights from Rarotonga. Book minimum 10 days ahead as Air Rarotonga has limited seats. Cultural tours cost additional NZ$40-60 per village. Combine multiple activities as flights are the major expense.

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

May is prime season for mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna as water temperatures reach optimal 26-27°C (79-81°F). Consistent trade winds create perfect trolling conditions 3-8km (2-5 miles) offshore. Success rates for tuna exceed 70% in May compared to 45% in dry season months. Morning charters (6am-11am) offer calmest seas before trade winds strengthen.

Booking Tip: Full-day charters (8 hours) cost NZ$1,200-1,800 for up to 6 people, half-day NZ$700-1,000. Book 2 weeks ahead as May is peak fishing season. Choose operators with fish-finding sonar and multiple rod setups. Most provide filleting service for your catch.

Sunset Sailing and Whale Watching

Late May offers final opportunities to spot humpback whales migrating south, with sightings possible 4-6km (2.5-3.7 miles) offshore. Trade wind sailing conditions are excellent with consistent 15-20 knot winds. Sailing catamarans handle moderate swells better than smaller boats, important as May sees 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells from southern ocean systems.

Booking Tip: Sunset sails cost NZ$65-85 per adult including drinks and snacks. Whale watching adds NZ$20-30 premium. Book catamaran tours for stability in May's conditions. Afternoon departures (3pm-6pm) maximize whale spotting before sunset at 6:15pm.

Traditional Cooking and Market Tours

May harvest season brings peak variety to Punanga Nui Market with fresh taro, breadfruit, and seasonal tropical fruits. Saturday morning market tours (7am-10am) avoid afternoon heat and offer best selection. Traditional earth oven (umu) cooking demonstrations are more frequent as locals prepare for winter food preservation traditions.

Booking Tip: Market tours cost NZ$35-50 per person including tastings and cooking demonstration. Saturday morning tours offer best variety but book by Thursday. Cooking classes range NZ$85-120 including meal. Look for experiences that include plantation visits and traditional preparation methods.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Te Maeva Nui Festival Preparations

Communities across the islands begin intensive preparations for the July national festival. Witness traditional dance rehearsals, costume making, and drum workshops in villages. Evening practice sessions (6pm-8pm) welcome respectful observers.

May 25

Gospel Day Celebrations

May 25th marks Gospel Day across the Cook Islands with church services, traditional hymn singing, and community feasts. Each island holds unique celebrations with traditional food sharing and cultural performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and lightweight pants - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic blends dry faster after afternoon showers

Waterproof phone case - essential for snorkeling and protection during sudden rain squalls that hit without warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and regular reapplication needed in high humidity

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon showers last 1-2 hours and can be heavy, but plastic ponchos trap heat in 70% humidity

Closed-toe water shoes - essential for reef walking and rocky shorelines, also protect feet on wet surfaces during rainy periods

Insect repellent with DEET - May's higher rainfall increases mosquito activity, especially near freshwater areas and after sunset

Breathable hiking boots - if planning cross-island trek, waterproof boots with good grip essential for muddy trails after recent rain

Dry bag for electronics - protect cameras, phones, and chargers during boat trips and unexpected rain showers

Lightweight long sleeves - UV protection for extended sun exposure and coverage for air-conditioned restaurants and evening mosquitoes

Power bank - humidity can affect battery life, and you'll use phone frequently for photos during optimal May lighting conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation on the western (sunset) side of Rarotonga in May - afternoon rain showers move west to east, so western locations get clearer evening skies for sunset viewing

Shop at Punanga Nui Market by 8am on Saturdays - best produce selection before tourist crowds arrive, and vendors offer better prices to early customers before peak shopping hours

Visit Maire Nui Gardens between 9am-11am - morning light combined with post-rain lushness creates perfect photography conditions, plus you avoid afternoon shower risk

Local families harvest taro and breadfruit in May - ask your accommodation about village visits during harvest time for authentic cultural experiences not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling all activities after 2pm - 60% of May days have afternoon showers between 2pm-5pm that can cancel boat trips and outdoor activities

Bringing only cotton clothing - retains moisture in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry after rain showers, leaving you uncomfortable

Not booking inter-island flights early enough - May is shoulder season but Air Rarotonga has limited daily flights to outer islands that fill up 10-14 days ahead