We get asked this question frequently, and it is not always easy to answer because it truly feels like “summer”time all year round! The average ambient temperature is 78 F, and it almost perfectly matches the temperature of the beautiful blue lagoon waters. The climatic season in the islands can be difficult to predict with exactitude as they frequently overlap each other. For simplification though, we will break down the weather into 2 seasons: “dry” and “rainy”.
Traditionally, the “dry” season or “winter” time in French Polynesia is March-November. South-East trade winds (called the mara’amus) begin to blow which bring cooler temperatures than other times of the year. These winds can be great for sailing and wind related sport enthusiasts. Cruising the islands aboard one of our luxury catamarans in these conditions can be a special experience. Warm tropical rain showers still may occur, often lasting just 30 minutes or so. There’s nothing quite like snorkeling off the deck of a chartered yacht in a warm midday shower while the crew aboard your private crewed charter prepares fresh, local Polynesian cuisine for lunch.
The “rainy” season or “summer” time in the islands is December-late February. The average temperature and humidity will increase, and historically these months have recorded the largest amounts of rainfall. Although this time of year also has the most chance for cyclones, these storms are rare here, and not as prevalent in these islands as compared to some of the other neighboring Pacific islands. The increased rainfall this time of year keeps the islands looking majestically green, and provide for some of the best times to indulge in all of the tropical fruits that grow so plentifully here.
Some of our personal favorite months of the year are March, April, May, October and November. These months are “shoulder” months, lying on the border of winter and summer and from our experience, have offered guests the consistent sunshine and ideal weather everyone dreams about in paradise.