What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Outfit Guide for Rarotonga & Aitutaki

Planning a trip to Rarotonga or Aitutaki, and wondering what to wear in the Cook Islands? You’ve come to the right place!

We recently visited the Cook Islands for the first time and I was actually pretty surprised by the weather and outfit needs. I found I should actually have packed more casual layers and less dressy than I did.

Don’t be unprepared for your upcoming trip to one of the most beautiful island chains in the world. Keep reading for a complete guide to what to wear in the Cook Islands.

Weather & Seasons in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands generally enjoy a pleasant, sunny tropical climate year round. Average highs typically fall in the high 70s to low 80s, and average lows from the high 60s to low 70s. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the climate and found it wasn’t nearly as hot and humid as we expected.

Overall, we found the key to dressing in the Cook Islands was definitely layering. It can be cooler than expected during periods of cloud cover, on windy days, and in the evenings.

Additionally, the Cook Islands are very laid back and casual. This means you will want to pack casual, comfortable outfits and leave extremely dressy items at home.

Keep reading for an your guide to what to pack for the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Outfit Guide: Tops & Pants

To save space in your suitcase, pack some mix and match tops and bottoms options. I recommend a couple of tops for each bottom to give you more options. Focus on lightweight and breathable options that you can dress up or down, and add layering pieces to.

Tanks and Tees

Pack a number of casual tanks and tees as a base for your outfits. Tank tops and short sleeve shirts should be fine. As long as you have a layering option, long sleeve shirts probably won’t be necessary.

Shorts

For visits during the hotter months, you will want a pair of shorts. I highly recommend cotton or linen shorts to stay comfortable and cool. Leave the bulky denim shorts at home – they take up precious real estate in your luggage and can be too heavy for the humidity.

Linen Pants

Linen parts are a great bottom choice for the Cook Islands. These can keep you warm on cooler days while still beating the humidity. Pair these pants with a tank top or tee shirt and a layer and you will be set to explore during the day or head to a restaurant at night for dinner.

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Dresses

While the Cook Islands are generally pretty casual, you will want to have a dress or two in your suitcase. A casual vacation dress is perfect for dressing up for dinner and taking photos on the beach.

T-Shirt Dress

Pack a t-shirt dress as an alternative to pants and a top. A comfortable and casual t-shirt dress is the perfect option for warm days and the casual restaurants around Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Sundress

While the majority of our trip to the Cook Islands was fairly casual, you will want a nicer dress option just in case. I packed just two nicer sundresses for our fancier dinners at the resort restaurants, as well as for photos on the beach.

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Athleisure

There is no shortage of places to explore in Aitutaki and Rarotonga. Bicycling, hiking, and scootering are popular activities on both islands. Whether you want to see the sights or you are a more active and adventurous traveler, you will definitely want to pack comfortable athletic wear for casual and athletic activities.

Rompers

I packed two athletic rompers and I found them to be a perfect option for exploring the island by golf cart and scooter or for heading to the market. If I got a little chilly or wanted to cover up a bit I just thew my button up shirt over it. These can do double duty as cover ups to throw on over your swimsuit.

Athletic Dress w/Shorts

I love a good athletic dress, especially when it has built-in shorts! This makes a cute, casual option as an alternative to yoga pants or athletic shorts for exploring the island.

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Layers

The Cook Islands can get surprisingly cool in the evenings, during periods of cloud cover, and during their winter (dry) season. I found a couple long sleeve shirts you can thrown on and take off to be absolutely essential!

Button Up Shirt

You will absolutely want a button up you can throw over your outfit when it gets cool. I wore my chambray button up shirt nearly every single day! It was perfect in the day over dresses, pants, and athletic wear and definitely necessary as we didn’t see much sun thanks to a nearby tropical storm.

Light Jacket

Depending on the time of year you travel, you may want to pack a slightly heavier layer like a light jacket or denim jacket for cooler winter evenings.

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Beachwear

If you’re traveling to the Cook Islands, then you’re probably coming for their amazing beaches! Of course you will need to pack swimsuits and beach cover ups for your trip. And if you’re wondering if it’s beach season year round in the Cook Islands, don’t worry. Even when the weather is a bit cooler you can still lay out at the beach.

Swimsuits

Whether you prefer a bikini or a one piece, I recommend packing at least two swimsuits for your trip. That way you never have to wear a wet one!

Cover Ups

It is the norm to cover up your swimsuit when leaving the beach in the Cook Islands. You will definitely want one or two cover ups for throwing on top of your swimsuit.

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Shoes

Wondering what kind of shoes you need in the Cook Islands? I’ve got you! You really don’t need anything fancy. Leave the heels at home and instead pack a pair of sneakers, a pair of flip flops, and a pair of nicer flat sandals.

Casual Sandals

You will want a pair of casual sandals, like a pair of sturdy flip flops, to wear to the beach during the day. Or perhaps a pair of sturdy walking sandals for exploring the island.

Dressy Sandal

Pack a pair of dressy flat sandals to wear with nicer dresses and to dinners out. I recommend flats because the island is pretty casual. I didn’t see anyone wearing wedges or heels during our trip.

Sneakers

Not only will you want to wear sneakers when traveling to the Cook Islands, a pair of sneakers will be a main shoe choice for exploring the island. I highly recommend a nice basic pair of white sneakers.

Water Shoes

Water shoes are a must in the Cook Islands, as the waters are home to an ultra venomous species of fish, called Stone Fish, that can camouflage with the rocks of the ocean floor. Please wear water shoes in the ocean!

What to Wear in the Cook Islands: Accessories

Wondering what accessories to pack for your Cook Islands vacation? You don’t need much! Keep your suitcase light and pack a crossbody purse, a beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Sunglasses

Pack a pair or two of sunglasses! I always recommend packing cheaper pairs in case you lose your sunglasses on the trip. Here are some of my favorite options from Amazon.

Crossbody

I don’t recommend bringing a full size purse on vacation with you. Instead pack a crossbody mini purse or a sling bag. This way you can have your hands free when exploring the island.

Sun Hat

Don’t forget a sun hat! Whether you prefer a casual ball cap or a straw sun hat, any of these options work just fine in the Cook Islands.

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