The best time to visit Tahiti is the dry season, between April and October. The humidity is lower during these months, and skies are generally clear.
Yet there isn’t really a bad time to visit; temperatures are fairly steady year-round, with the annual average a balmy 80°F (26.8°C). The water temperature also remains fairly constant, ranging from a delicious 79.7°F (26.5°C) to 84°F (28.5°C) throughout the year. The main variation is in the humidity and the amount of rainfall.
Because of high mountains at its center, Tahiti experiences different weather from east to west. The west is more protected from the tradewinds and as such, receives considerably less rain.
Visiting Tahiti By Season
Summer
Beach in Tahiti
June, July, and August fall in the heart of the dry season, the austral winter and the best time to go to Tahiti. This is also the busiest time, with tourist season in full swing. Expect warm, sunny days and deep blue skies, with pleasantly mild temperatures at night and low humidity. The average daily temperature in July is 79.7°F (26.5°C).
The heat is tempered by the trade winds that blow from the east. Summer is also the best time for watersports in the tranquil lagoons around the islands.
Fall
September and October are regarded as shoulder season months in Tahiti. The humidity is starting to rise but is still tolerable. September and October are also two of the sunniest months of the year. Humpback whales are passing through as they migrate to Antarctica, so this is the perfect time to look out for them.
Humpback whale
November sees the rainy season begin, with an average rainfall of 4.5 inches (115mm), increasing significantly into December.
Read: Best South Pacific Islands
Winter
December, January, and February are hot and humid in Tahiti, with frequent downpours that clear the air. December and January see the highest rainfall, with 10 inches (255mm) and 10.4 inches (265mm) respectively.
The sultry nights are cooled marginally by a seasonal wind called the Hupe, which blows from the mountains down to the coast.
Spring
What those in the Northern Hemisphere regard as “spring” sees significant change in the weather in Tahiti. March is still hot and humid; in fact, it’s the hottest month, with temperatures averaging 82.6°F (28.1°C).
April, meanwhile, is considered a shoulder season month, with much lower rainfall than March, (an average of 4.5 inches, or 115mm, with rain on 10 days). This is a great time for surfing and hiking.
May is effectively the start of Tahiti’s “winter”, or high season, with much drier weather and cooler nights. From now until October, there’s relatively little rain.
When Is Rainy Season?
The rainy season in Tahiti extends from November to April. Heat and humidity can be intense and the days are marked by frequent short, sharp downpours. There are still periods of sunshine, though, so this is not necessarily a bad time to visit.
Bear in mind that the sheltered west coast, including Papeete, receives a little less rain than places on the east coast.
When Is High Season?
Papeete
High season in Tahiti is the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months of June, July, and August. This is the cooler season, with lower humidity, clear skies, and much less rainfall; July, for example, brings just 1.4 inches (35mm) of rain.
When Is Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season in Tahiti is during the months of April, May, September, and October. By May, the humidity is dropping as the rainy season transitions into the dry season. September and October still see fine, sunny days and relatively low rainfall; in September, expect an average of 96mm of rain, rising to 140mm in October.
The spring equinox falls in September, with the rays of the sun bringing out the brilliant aquamarine of the lagoons and bays around Tahiti.
When Is Low Season?
Tahiti’s low season is from November to March, when the weather is hot and humid. It’s certainly still possible to visit during this time, and many people do, but you should expect intense humidity and frequent showers, with sunny spells in between.
Papeete
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