Skip to Content

The Best & Worst Times to Visit French Polynesia in 2024

The Best & Worst Times to Visit French Polynesia in 2024

What's the best time to visit French Polynesia?

The best time to explore French Polynesia is between June and September, when you’ll find cool, dry weather perfect for outdoor adventures, despite it being the peak tourist season. This time is prime for unique experiences like whale watching near Moorea and discovering secluded spots via boat or cargo freighter.

September shines as a favorite with longer days for more exploration, vibrant festivals, and mesmerizing lagoon tours, especially in Bora Bora. Just remember, booking early is key to avoiding the rush and high prices.

French Polynesia is a cluster of islands, each with a promise of the bluest skies, gorgeous beaches, and the most beautiful lagoons in the South Pacific. The archipelago is home to some of the most amazing vacation spots worldwide.

The tropical climate is intense and challenging to navigate, and the weather can turn on a dime. To help make things easier, we’ve hand-pick the least busy, cheapest, worst and (most importantly) best times to visit French Polynesia; let us be your guide!

Overall Best Time to Visit French Polynesia

Woman walking along a gorgeous white sand beach in Bora Bora during the best time to visit French Polynesia

Maridav/Shutterstock

The overall best time to visit French Polynesia is from June to September, when temperatures are cool and the weather is dry during this period.

However, this period is peak season with lots of tourists in attendance. Fall in French Polynesia offers balmy temperatures exceeding 85F with moderate humidity levels.

Still, you can enjoy a fantastic holiday during this period, but ensure your accommodation has air conditioning to cool off, away from the searing temperatures outdoors. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about tropical storms at this time of year.

The archipelago is a hive of activity all year round, but this time of the year is busier than most. You can go whale watching along the waters of Moorea, nine miles off the Tahiti coast — a prime spot for watching humpback whales play with their calves.

Watching the newborn calves frolicking in the water with mum close by is an incredible privilege you don’t want to miss. Boat cruises are immensely popular in summer, and you can charter a private ship to explore the islands.

More adventurous individuals will enjoy cruising on a cargo freighter which combines cargo deliveries with tourist transportation. This method of exploring the territory ensures you visit out-of-the-way locations that charter ships can’t hope to touch.

September is arguably the best month to visit French Polynesia because the days are longer, offering more daylight to explore the nooks and corners of the archipelago.

Still, the drawback is the higher ticket prices and larger crowds: Book transport, accommodation, and activities well in advance to avoid paying a king’s ransom.

The reason for visiting the islands during this period is the numerous festivals, activities, and resorts in full swing to entertain guests. September is also the best time to visit Bora Bora on a lagoon tour, cruising down the jade blue waters of the territory’s lagoons.

These crystal-clear waters connect the islands to the Pacific Ocean, with a rich ecosystem worth exploring. You can also go on a glass-bottomed boat to see the different corals and feed the fish while listening to the colorful stories of the Tahiti people.

Visiting at this time affords you the chance to blend with the locals. Stopping by the markets is an excellent opportunity to practice your French, ensuring you have a deep knowledge of the culture and way of life.

Cheapest Time to Visit French Polynesia

Extremely humid day on Rarotonga during the cheapest time to visit French Polynesia

Rach V/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit French Polynesia is in late-October through the end of April. This period is known as the off-season, and you can get lower prices for goods and services.

The territory offers special rates and discounts throughout the year, but this period’s airfare is particularly affordable, especially when you book in advance.

However, there’s still a lot to do despite the quieter nature of the islands. Visiting in April offers the chance to witness the international tattoo festival. This period is summer in the archipelago and is considered monsoon season.

Wet days are common, but the high humidity will make you sweat bucket-loads. However, you can still engage in activities because rainfall comes in quick bursts that end within the hour.

Daytime temperatures hover around 84F to 87F, and air-conditioned lodgings feel heavenly during this humid season. Marquesa Island is an exception to the hot and wet season, thanks to its location at the northernmost part of the Collectivity.

These islands enjoy warm temperatures throughout the year, with minimal rainfall compared to Society and Tahiti. Visiting at this time is the best because you can enjoy all the activities for half the price.

We’d recommend snorkeling and scuba diving, including paddle boarding and kayaking. Jet ski tours are crazy expensive in peak season but easily affordable at this time.

The tours stop at prime spots for swimming in the turquoise blue water and taking selfies. French Polynesia is renowned for its water-based activities, but there are countless things you can do on land for cheap.

Least Busy Time to Visit French Polynesia

Gorgeous view of a white sand beach opening to the water and watersports pictured with otemanu Mountain in the background during the least busy time to visit French Polynesia

BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit French Polynesia is from March until the end of May. During these months, you can best escape the large crowds that throng the islands in peak season.

In addition to the lower prices of goods and services, the territory is quieter, allowing you to enjoy and connect more with the outdoors – particularly the colorful marine life.

Out of the three, April is the best time to visit because of the Ori Tahiti Festival – an incredible experience for any outsider. The festival celebrates Tahitian culture, featuring music, food, and dancing.

It’s the second-largest French Polynesian festival after the Heiva Tahiti. There are other travel-worthy events you can partake in during this period, including hiking the beautiful mountainous trails and surfing.

Moreover, you can explore the ancient temples dotted across the islands, including the Marae Tapatupuatea off the coast of Society Islands. This must-visit destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features numerous exotic stone sculptures.

Worst Time to Visit French Polynesia

Vaihira Lake in the Papenoo Valley surrounded by rain and pictured during February, the worst time to visit French Polynesia

Pascale Gueret/Shutterstock

The overall worst time to visit French Polynesia is in February. Unless you enjoy frequent rains and heat, you shouldn’t travel this month.

February temperatures hover around 86 F, and it is so humid you could cut the air with a knife! Still, if you decide to go, there’s so much the islands have to offer, especially in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Mangareva.

The Paofai Gardens in Papeete, Tahiti, is an enchanting place to discover the flora of French Polynesia. This 4.5-hectare garden stretches across the waterfront, far away from the city noise.

Enjoy a quiet time in the garden examining over 400 flora species across the archipelago. The Paofai Gardens is an idyllic spot for a stroll or evening walk, with numerous green spaces for a picnic.

With heavy rain comes giant waves, and the Teahupoo wave is one not to miss when surfing the Tahiti coastline. In truth, there isn’t a worse time to visit here, and every day is an excellent day for scuba diving.

It’s one of the coolest activities in French Polynesia, allowing you to swim up close to stingrays, reef sharks, and the numerous tropical fishes of the South Pacific.

French Polynesia has the dreamiest beaches at any time of the year. Tahiti is popular for its black sand beaches that contrast sharply with the blue ocean for a view worthy of a travel magazine.

French Polynesia by Month: Climate & Activities

Gorgeous drone shot taken during the best time to go to French Polynesia with tiny huts on the water over clear teal water in Bora Bora with the volcano in the background

Maridav/Shutterstock

Still unsure about the best time to visit French Polynesia? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:

January

January in French Polynesia is warm and rainy, with temperatures typically ranging from 76 to 86°F (24 to 30°C). This month is ideal for exploring the lush landscapes, snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoons, and experiencing the vibrant Heiva I Tahiti festival in Papeete, showcasing traditional Polynesian dance and music.

February

February continues with warm and humid weather, perfect for relaxing on beautiful beaches like those on Bora Bora, diving in Rangiroa’s lagoon, and visiting the Marquesas Islands to explore unique cultural and archaeological sites.

March

As the wet season continues, temperatures in French Polynesia range from 75 to 86°F (24 to 30°C). March is great for exploring the underwater world, visiting the Pearl Museum in Tahiti, and taking guided tours of the lush interior of the islands, such as Moorea’s pineapple plantations.

April

April marks the transition to slightly cooler and less rainy weather, with temperatures around 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). It’s an ideal time for sailing and island hopping, exploring the vanilla plantations in Taha’a, and enjoying outdoor Polynesian spa treatments.

May

May sees the start of the cooler and drier season, with temperatures from 72 to 84°F (22 to 29°C). Explore the ancient temples (marae) on Raiatea, enjoy snorkeling and water sports in the Tuamotus, and experience the colorful local markets in Papeete.

June

Winter arrives with cooler and drier weather, with temperatures between 70 to 82°F (21 to 28°C). June offers opportunities for attending the Art Festival in Tahiti, exploring the lush valleys and waterfalls on the islands, and enjoying the spectacular whale watching season.

July

July maintains cool and dry weather, with temperatures from 69 to 81°F (21 to 27°C). It’s a popular month for celebrating French Polynesia’s autonomy on July 14th with parades and festivities, taking traditional outrigger canoe trips, and diving with manta rays in Bora Bora.

August

Temperatures in August range from 69 to 82°F (21 to 28°C). Visit the black pearl farms in the Gambier Islands, explore the archaeological sites on Hiva Oa, and enjoy the Heiva va’a, a canoe racing festival in Tahiti.

September

As spring begins, temperatures range from 70 to 82°F (21 to 28°C). September is perfect for hiking in the lush mountains of Moorea, enjoying the quieter beaches, and visiting the Robert Wan Pearl Museum in Tahiti.

October

October sees the return of warmer weather, from 72 to 84°F (22 to 29°C). It’s a great month for swimming with dolphins and rays in Moorea, exploring the diverse marine life while scuba diving, and experiencing the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, a long-distance canoe race.

November

The warmer and wetter season begins in November, with temperatures ranging from 73 to 85°F (23 to 30°C). This month is ideal for exploring the cultural heritage of the islands, enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Papeete, and relaxing in overwater bungalows on Bora Bora.

December

Summer brings warm and wet weather, with temperatures ranging from 76 to 87°F (24 to 31°C). December is festive with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, perfect for enjoying cruises around the islands, exploring the diverse marine ecosystems, and indulging in luxurious spa treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Black sand beach with a giant palm tree next to a walkway pictured during the best time to plan a trip to French Polynesia

Napa/Shutterstock

The questions below further clarify the best time to visit French Polynesia:

What is the rainy season in French Polynesia?

April to November is the wet season in French Polynesia, with short bursts of torrential rainfall interrupted by hours of intense sunshine.

What is the best month to go to Tahiti?

June to September is the best time weather-wise to visit Tahiti, but October to April offers the most value for vacationers looking to save money while avoiding crowds.

What is the best month to go to Bora Bora?

September is the best month to visit Bora Bora, but any month between May and November will do.

What is hurricane season in Tahiti?

Mid-December to late April are the months with the highest risk of hurricanes in Tahiti.

Are mosquitoes a problem in Tahiti?

Mosquitoes and sandflies are pesky insects that can mar your trip to Tahiti. Ensure you carry bug repellant, especially when exploring dense vegetation on the islands.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit French Polynesia?

In truth, there isn’t a bad time to visit French Polynesia, but some periods offer the most amazing experiences more than others.

Visit from October to April if you’re looking to vacation on a budget and from June to September if you’d like to enjoy the best climate. So what are you waiting for — book your trip today!