Rarotonga or Bora Bora in August?
On climate data, Bora Bora comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
RarotongaPhoto: Archives New Zealand from New Zealand · CC BY-SA 2.0
Bora BoraPhoto: The TerraMar Project · CC BY 2.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Rarotonga | Bora Bora |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 23 °C | 26 °C |
| Average daily low | 23 °C | 25 °C |
| Sea | 24 °C | 27 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 12 rainy days (est.) | 10 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 6 h/day | 6 h/day |
| Humidity | 78 % | 77 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Bora Bora is about 3 °C warmer by day.
- Bora Bora is drier, with about 2 fewer rainy days.
- The sea at Bora Bora is about 2 °C warmer.
Rarotonga or Bora Bora in August: the short answer
In August, Bora Bora comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Rarotonga 79/100 vs Bora Bora 82/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Rarotonga averages a climate score of 73/100, Bora Bora 70/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 23 °C in Rarotonga and 26 °C in Bora Bora — warmer in Bora Bora. Average daily lows are around 23 °C versus 25 °C.
On rain, Rarotonga sees about 12 rainy days in August and Bora Bora about 10 — drier in Bora Bora. Sunshine is comparable (6 vs 6 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In August the water is about 24 °C at Rarotonga and 27 °C at Bora Bora — warmer for swimming at Bora Bora. Over the year, Rarotonga is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Bora Bora in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is March for Rarotonga and March for Bora Bora.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Rarotonga records roughly 188 rainy days and Bora Bora about 193 — the drier of the two overall is Rarotonga. At their sunniest, Rarotonga reaches about 8 hours of sun a day (November) and Bora Bora about 8 (November). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Rarotonga is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Bora Bora peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the August scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Bora Bora scores higher in August (Rarotonga 80 vs Bora Bora 88).
City breaks: both are close (Rarotonga 83 vs Bora Bora 83).
Active & hiking: Rarotonga scores higher in August (Rarotonga 70 vs Bora Bora 66).
Family: Bora Bora scores higher in August (Rarotonga 80 vs Bora Bora 87).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For August specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Rarotonga carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Rarotonga if its strong months and profile match your plan, Bora Bora if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.