Home › Destinations › Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Weather in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Remote atoll with pristine turtle nesting beaches
—
Loading live weather...
About Cocos (Keeling) Islands
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands float remotely in the Indian Ocean, their pristine atolls and turtle-nesting beaches untouched by mass tourism. Just 600 residents share the islands with endemic species and some of the world's best diving.
Best months to visit
August, September, October, November, December
Things to do in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Snorkel pristine house reefs
Watch sea turtles nest
Hike to viewpoints
Fish pristine waters
Spot endemic birds
Camp on secluded beaches
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
March
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
August
26C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
September
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
October
26C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
November
27C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
December
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are about as remote as Australian territory gets — a ring of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, closer to Jakarta than to Perth, where crystal-clear lagoons, shipwrecks and a population split between the Malay-Cocosian community of Home Island and the more transient West Island make for a genuinely off-grid escape.
Best areas to stay in Cocos (Keeling) Islands
West Island
The main administrative island, with the airport, most accommodation and a small expatriate community.
Home Island
Home to the Cocos Malay community, with a village, mosque and its own distinct culture.
Direction Island
An uninhabited island known for 'The Rip' snorkelling channel and one of the best beaches in the atoll.
South Island group
A cluster of smaller, mostly uninhabited islands reached by boat, good for picnics and exploring.
Getting to Cocos (Keeling) Islands
✈
Flights
Fly into Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport on West Island, typically via Perth.
⏱
From London
~24-30 hours from London including connections.
🚕
Getting around
A ferry links West Island and Home Island; boat charters reach the other islands and snorkel sites.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
April to November offers drier, more stable weather, while the cyclone season runs roughly December to March.
How do I get between the islands?
A small ferry connects West Island and Home Island; other islands in the atoll are reached by boat trips and charters.
What is there to do?
Snorkelling and diving in the lagoon, kitesurfing, and boat trips to uninhabited islands and shipwreck sites are the main activities.
Is Cocos (Keeling) expensive?
Limited flights and supplies make it pricier than mainland Australia, with a small range of accommodation options.
What language is spoken?
English is official, with Cocos Malay widely spoken within the Home Island community.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Snorkelling 'The Rip' off Direction Island, drifting through crystal clear water with reef sharks below, was unlike anywhere else we've snorkelled.
Adam W. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Genuinely felt like the edge of the world — very few visitors, and Home Island gave us a real insight into Cocos Malay culture.
Priya N. · July 2024
★★★★★
Kitesurfed in the lagoon for days with hardly anyone else around — a dream for anyone into watersports who wants somewhere different.
Drew H. · September 2023
Ready to visit Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations