gowhereandwhen.comGo in the dry season, May to October, for mild trade winds, low rain and the lagoons at their clearest, with July and August the driest months. The wet season, November to April, is hotter, stickier and much wetter, wettest around December.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Papeete. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jul.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
French Polynesia scatters 118 islands across an area the size of Europe: Tahiti's green peaks, Bora Bora's lagoon and overwater bungalows, and the diving atolls of the Tuamotus. It is warm year round, with a drier southern-winter half and a hot, wet summer. We rate on Papeete, Tahiti's capital.
May to October is the season to aim for: rainfall drops to a third of the summer's, humidity eases and the trade winds blow. It is also peak season, so the famous resorts book out early. November to April is greener and cheaper, with rain in heavy bursts and only a rare brush with cyclones.
French Polynesia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Papeete.
JanuaryHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 40
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 260 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
FebruaryHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 43
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 240 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
MarchHot and wet.Good 48
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Hot and wet.
AprilHot and wet.Great 59
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 140 mm
Hot and wet.
MayHot with a little rain.Ideal 76
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 100 mm
Hot with a little rain.
JuneHot with a little rain.Ideal 86
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Hot with a little rain.
JulyHot with a little rainIdeal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Hot with a little rain.
AugustHot with a little rainIdeal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Hot with a little rain.
SeptemberHot with a little rainIdeal 90
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 65 mm
Hot with a little rain.
OctoberHot with a little rain.Ideal 78
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 95 mm
Hot with a little rain.
NovemberHot and wet.Good 55
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 160 mm
Hot and wet.
DecemberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 35
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 300 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
Where you go changes when you go
Tahiti and Moorea
The gateway islands: peaks, black-sand beaches and ferry-close Moorea. Driest May to October, with the Heiva festival in July.
Bora Bora and the Society Islands
The overwater-bungalow lagoons of Bora Bora, Taha'a and Huahine, at their sunniest in the dry season.
The Tuamotus
Rangiroa and Fakarava, world-class pass diving on drier, lower atolls that shrug off much of Tahiti's rain.
Best time to visit French Polynesia for
Overwater-bungalow trips
May to October for the surest sun. Book far ahead for July and August.
Diving and snorkelling
Year round in 26 to 29 degree water; the dry season has the calmest seas, and humpbacks pass August to October.
Surfing
The big southern swells hit Teahupo'o May to October; gentler reef breaks run all year.
Best value
November to April, when resort rates ease and the islands turn green, accepting bursts of heavy rain.
What is on, and when
Heiva i Tahiti, July
A month of dance, drumming and outrigger racing, the biggest festival in the South Pacific.
Whale season, Aug to Oct
Humpbacks cruise past Tahiti and Moorea, with regulated swim encounters on offer.
Watch out
Rainy season
Nov to Apr.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Bora Bora and Tahiti?
Does French Polynesia get cyclones?
Is the wet season worth it for the lower prices?
Where else, and when
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