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French Polynesia is at its best between June and August when the climate is at its driest and the weather is balmy, sitting comfortably in the high 20s to mid 30s Celsius. However, this can be a slightly busier time of year and the months either side of this period can see comfortable temperatures, but lower prices.

French Polynesia can be visited year-round, but the months of November to April see tropical showers passing at greater frequency than other times of the year. However, they are often interspersed with periods of sunshine. This is a humid time of year, though, which can be uncomfortable and we recommend choosing a hotel with air-conditioning if visiting during these months. The islands rarely suffer from tropical storms except during years when El Niño affects ocean currents.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in French Polynesia

Sunset, Tahiti

Visiting French Polynesia in January - April

By the start of the year the wet season is firmly established in French Polynesia, and the rain does not abate until April. However, more rain means emptier hotels, competitive rates, and far fewer visitors. Chinese New Year, which varies year on year but is generally mid-January to mid-February, sees the islands celebrating with parades, music and dancing.

Events & Festivals

  • The French Polynesian Chinese community in Tahiti celebrates the beginning of the Chinese New Year in either January or February depending on the year. Music, dancing and parades pervade the islands.
  • In April the Ori Tahiti Festival takes place focusing on the theme of traditional Polynesian dance.
French Polynesia

Visiting French Polynesia in May

The humidity begins to drop and rainfall starts to ease, but prices remain low and the islands maintain an overall quieter feel — for this reason this is often seen as a great time to visit French Polynesia.

Events & Festivals

  • In May, the Papenoo region of Tahiti holds the Matari'i Raro, also known as the Pleiades Festival, which marks the end of the harvest period, the beginning of the austral winter and the dry season.
Bora Bora

Visiting French Polynesia in June - August

French Polynesia has many of its own festivals to celebrate, such as Heiva i Bora Bora in July; an annual singing, dancing and sports competition. The season's balmy weather, combined with the traditional vacation period make this the most popular time to travel, but this means that hotels can fill up months in advance as both foreign visitors and locals flock to the smaller islands.

Events & Festivals

  • Heiva i Bora Bora takes place in July and is held in Vaitape on Bora Bora. This annual festival incorporates singing, dancing and a traditional sports competition.
  • Designed as an interactive event between visitors, sailors and residents, the Tahiti Moorea Sailing Rendez-Vous takes place over three days in July. The first day is in Tahiti with welcoming events, the second is a sailing rally and the last day is held on Tahiti’s sister island Moorea, where a variety of Polynesian-style competitions take place.
Bora Bora from the air

Visiting French Polynesia in September - October

Humidity begins to creep up as September and October progress, but the climate overall remains pleasant and the islands are quieter. Late September marks the spring equinox, when the sun’s rays hit the islands' lagoons at just the right angle, bringing out the vivid turquoise hues of the classic French Polynesian landscape.

Events & Festivals

  • The HMS Bounty dropped anchor in October 1789 in Matavai Bay, Tahiti. The ship was on a mission to collect young bread fruit trees for the British Empire, but the operation was never completed following a crew mutiny and destruction of the ship. Every October, this epic event is re-interpreted and a replica of the Bounty is built.
Beach Suite, Vahine Island Resort

Visiting French Polynesia in November - December

November to April is French Polynesia's wet season, with concentrated bursts of rainfall punctuated by days of sunshine. At this time hotel air-conditioning becomes a necessity as humidity rises. However, it is possible to use French Polynesia's geography to your advantage; the Marquesas are closer to the Equator and are far enough north to benefit from the trade winds that temper the climate.

French Polynesia Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Bora Bora 30°C 269mm 30°C 235mm 31°C 202mm 30°C 143mm 29°C 148mm 28°C 104mm 28°C 96mm 28°C 74mm 28°C 84mm 29°C 126mm 30°C 228mm 30°C 291mm
Marquesas Islands 30°C 110mm 30°C 104mm 30°C 145mm 30°C 146mm 29°C 122mm 29°C 178mm 28°C 137mm 28°C 116mm 29°C 74mm 30°C 82mm 30°C 77mm 31°C 88mm
Moorea 29°C 326mm 29°C 243mm 30°C 204mm 29°C 148mm 28°C 116mm 27°C 75mm 27°C 73mm 27°C 61mm 27°C 63mm 28°C 104mm 28°C 174mm 29°C 314mm
Tahiti 26°C 364mm 26°C 282mm 26°C 245mm 26°C 202mm 25°C 154mm 24°C 108mm 23°C 109mm 23°C 94mm 24°C 96mm 25°C 140mm 25°C 218mm 26°C 361mm
Tuamotu Islands 30°C 218mm 30°C 174mm 30°C 133mm 30°C 125mm 30°C 86mm 29°C 93mm 28°C 72mm 28°C 65mm 28°C 81mm 29°C 123mm 30°C 187mm 30°C 208mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to French Polynesia, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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