March weather forecast
Cook Islands

March in the Cook Islands signifies the beginning of the transition from the wet to the dry season. This transition is marked by a gradual decrease in rainfall and a slight drop in temperatures compared to the preceding months. Average temperatures in March generally range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), offering warm conditions that remain pleasant for outdoor activities.

The rainfall pattern observed in earlier months persists, with the southern islands experiencing higher precipitation levels than the northern group. Islands like Rarotonga and Aitutaki in the southern group continue to receive more rainfall, often above 200mm (7.87"), owing to their mountainous terrains enhancing the orographic lift effect. In contrast, the northern islands like Suwarrow and Nassau experience relatively lower rainfall levels.

March also marks the tail end of the South Pacific cyclone season. The risk of cyclones gradually decreases throughout the month, but the possibility of encountering these severe weather events should not be entirely ruled out. Cyclones, if they occur, can bring about intense rainfall and strong winds, affecting local weather conditions and potentially disrupting travel plans.

Comparing March to the previous month of February, it presents a noticeable reduction in rainfall and a slight dip in temperature. Moving into April, the weather continues to stabilize, with further reductions in rainfall and a continued drop in average temperatures as the Cook Islands move towards the dry season. Thus, March is characterized by a transition phase, marking the gradual shift from the humid, wet season to the drier, cooler months ahead.

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• Roto - March »
  In Roto in March, during 28.7 rainfall days, 188mm (7.4") of precipitation is typically accumulated. In Roto, in March, it is raining for 28.7 days, with typically 188mm (7.4") of accumulated precipitation.
• Tauhunu - March »
  In Tauhunu in March, the average water temperature is 29°C (84.2°F). January through June, October through December, with an average sea temperature of 29°C (84.2°F), are months with the warmest seawater in Tauhunu, Cook Islands.
• Mapumai - March »
  The months with the highest UV index in Mapumai are January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. The wettest months in Mapumai are January and March, with an average 155mm (6.1") of rainfall.
• Avarua District - March »
  January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Avarua District, Cook Islands. On the first day of March sunrise is at 06:36 and sunset at 19:06.
• Arutanga - March »
  In March, Arutanga sees a slight increase in temperature, generating a warm and welcoming climate throughout the month. In Arutanga, March is the month with the highest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and a low of 27.3°C (81.1°F).
• Omoka Village - March »
  In Omoka Village the months of January, March through July, September through December are known for the peak temperatures, reaching an average high of 31°C (87.8°F). January and March, with an average of 18h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Omoka Village, Cook Islands.
• Mangarei Village - March »
  In Mangarei Village the month of March registers the highest temperatures, averaging 27.7°C (81.9°F) at the peak and 26.7°C (80.1°F) at the lowest. 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 - March »
  With an average sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), March is the month with the warmest seawater in Oneroa Village, Cook Islands. January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Oneroa Village, Cook Islands.
• Tautu - March »
  The average high-temperature and low-temperature in Tautu during March are 27.9°C (82.2°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F) respectively. In Tautu, during March, the rain falls for 25.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 155mm (6.1") of precipitation.
• Nukuao - March »
  The wettest months in Nukuao are January and March, with an average 155mm (6.1") of rainfall. In Nukuao the peak temperatures are generally noted in March, averaging a high of 27.7°C (81.9°F) and a low of 26.7°C (80.1°F).
• Ngatiarua - March »
  March, with its average high-temperature of 27.7°C (81.9°F) and an average low-temperature of 26.7°C (80.1°F), holds the record as the warmest month in Ngatiarua, Cook Islands. The months with the highest UV index in Ngatiarua are January through March, May, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
• Karanga Village - March »
  Karanga Village registers the average highest temperatures during March, with peaks of 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows of 26.7°C (80.1°F). Karanga Village in March possesses the warmest temperatures of the year with the temperature soaring up to 27.7°C (81.9°F).