Rarotonga International Airport

NCRG / RAR

Avarua, CK

Last Updated
Mar 4, 09:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 28 min ago
09:00Z

☀️ Day
MVFR
Flight Rules
27°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 24°C
9 kt
90°
10+ km
Visibility
1,700 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR NCRG 040900Z 09009KT 060V120 9999 VCSH BKN017TCU 27/24 Q1013

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 19 ft
BKN 1,700 ft AGL (TCU)
☁️
BKN (TCU)
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
1,700 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,719 ft AMSL

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF NCRG 040514Z 0406/0506 09008KT 9999 SCT018 PROB40 TEMPO 0406/0418 5000 SHRA BKN016
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
09:28Z BASE
+0h
VFR 90° 8 kt
Visibility: 10+ km

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
CRG
08 ✈️
26

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 08/26
Active: 08
7,638 ft 150 ft CON 90°
8.9 kt 1.6 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - NCRG

4,048 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
77.6%
MVFR
22.3%
IFR
0%
LIFR
0%

Rarotonga International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 77.6% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 0% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 7.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 43 knots. Temperatures typically range between 17°C and 38°C with an average of 25.7°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, September, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 7.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 43 kt
Calm Winds: 0.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
6.8%
NE
16.1%
E
45.5%
SE
12.4%
S
6.5%
SW
3.3%
W
4.8%
NW
4.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 25.7°C
Range: 17°C to 38°C
17°C 38°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

March September February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 08/26
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.5 kt

Statistics computed from 4,048 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Rarotonga International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: NCRG
IATA Code: RAR
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 19 ft MSL

Location

City: Avarua
Country: CK
Latitude: -21.202700°
Longitude: -159.806000°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+11

Runway Information

Runway 08/26
Length: 7,638 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Rarotonga International Airport

Overview

Rarotonga International Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to the Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific. Situated in Avarua, the airport is a medium-sized facility positioned at 19 feet above mean sea level, providing critical international and regional connectivity for this island nation.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Rarotonga are predominantly VFR, with 78.2% of observations indicating clear flying conditions. The airport experiences consistent easterly winds averaging 7.8 knots, with occasional stronger gusts up to 43 knots. Seasonal variations show optimal VFR conditions in September, January, and November, with stable temperature ranges between 17°C and 32°C.

Notable Features

The single runway (08/26) spans 7,638 feet with a concrete surface, oriented to take advantage of the prevailing easterly wind pattern. Its geographical location presents a unique Pacific island aviation environment, with surrounding maritime terrain potentially influencing local wind and approach dynamics. The airport's low elevation and consistent wind characteristics make it relatively predictable for instrument-rated pilots.

Approach Considerations

Runway 08/26 demonstrates highly favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and minimal average crosswind of 3.1 knots. Pilots can expect excellent visibility conditions, with an average visibility of 10 statute miles and no significant fog occurrences. The consistent easterly wind makes eastern approaches (runway 08) typically most advantageous for landing operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.