Best time to visit French Polynesia

Fertile volcanic slopes, year round sunshine and deliciously warm water characterise the tropical island paradise that inspired Melville and Stevenson.![]()

Thanks to its location, close to the equator, French Polynesia has a fairly consistent 30°C temperature year round with the slightly cooler, drier, months of June-Aug considered high season. Things start to heat up in Jan-March with an afternoon deluge a regular occurrence. Sep-Oct are the best time to visit outside of high season as it's still fairly dry with plenty of sunshine. Dec and Jan get busier due to Christmas hols, and these are also the wettest months so be prepared for sunshine and showers. Finally, April and May are pretty pleasant and worth considering if you're not tied into school vacations.
French Polynesia Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
23
31
130
FEB
23
31
97
MAR
24
31
146
APR
24
30
132
MAY
23
30
140
JUN
23
29
174
JUL
22
29
130
AUG
22
28
105
SEP
22
29
66
OCT
22
30
84
NOV
23
31
72
DEC
23
31
99
Our French Polynesia Vacations
French Polynesia cruise in the South Pacific
Sail this Polynesian paradise visiting at least 12 islands
From
£2195
14 days
ex flights
Swim with humpback whales in Tahiti
Snorkel with gentle humpback whales in a warm tropical seas!
From
AU $5410 to AU $6180
8 days
ex flights
Bareboat sailing vacation in French Polynesia
Sail around the beautiful French Polynesia
From
£4509 to £11038
7 days
ex flights
Rurutu humpback whale swimming vacation in the Pacific
Adventure tour swimming with whales in Rurutu
From
AU $4500
8 days
ex flights
Whales and wildlife tour in Tahiti
Swim with whales and wildlife in stunning Tahiti
From
US $4225
8 days
ex flights
Things to do in French Polynesia
Things to do in French Polynesia....
Things not to do in French Polynesia…
Our top French Polynesia Vacation
Swim with humpback whales in Tahiti
Snorkel with gentle humpback whales in a warm tropical seas!
From
AU $5410 to AU $6180
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2021: 16 Aug, 24 Aug, 1 Sep, 11 Sep, 20 Sep, 28 Sep, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 24 Oct
2021: 16 Aug, 24 Aug, 1 Sep, 11 Sep, 20 Sep, 28 Sep, 9 Oct, 16 Oct, 24 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about French Polynesia or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
French Polynesia travel advice
Tips for divers
Tips for divers
The following French Polynesia travel advice comes from Powell Ettinger at our supplier, the Small Ship Cruise Collection:
“Bora Bora and Rangiroa are excellent for snorkelling and diving with classic tropical island beaches adding to the natural attraction of life below the water.”
“Bora Bora and Rangiroa are excellent for snorkelling and diving with classic tropical island beaches adding to the natural attraction of life below the water.”
History and archaeology
History and archaeology
“The archaeological site on Hiva Oa has similar statues to those found on Easter Island and a guided tour around the village of Puamau is an excellent way to find out more about how and why tikis came to be on the island.”
When to go
Tips on when to go
“The best time to visit French Polynesia is anytime really as it's not too far from the equator and by the nature of it you'll only find heavy rain during the afternoon which is usually over no sooner than it starts.”
Avoiding bugs
Avoiding bugs
“Some places you will find sand flies or 'no see 'ums'; these can be a real annoyance so good insect repellent and long sleeves, particularly in the evenings, are a must.”
Photo credits: [Page banner: Arnaud Abadie] [Temp chart: dany13]
[Things to do: Roderick Eime]
[diving: tensaibuta]
[History: American]
[When: dany13]
[Bugs: Jon Rawlinson]
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