A Helpful Guide for the Best Time to Visit Tahiti in 2024
If you’re ready to plan your dream vacation to beautiful French Polynesia, you may be wondering when is the best time to visit Tahiti. As someone who loves traveling to French Polynesia, I can provide you with specific insight on what to expect depending on the time of year you go! After all, the island paradise is in the southern hemisphere, so the weather situation may be different from what you’re used to if you’re coming from somewhere in the northern hemisphere! So, here’s what to know along with 12 specific recommendations for visiting!
Best Time to Visit Tahiti (2024)
Alright, I’ll cut to the chase, the absolute best to visit Tahiti is August or September! This is when the temperatures are most pleasant, and the days are still long. Not to mention, there are the fewest rainy days in these months. So, you can easily enjoy all that Tahiti has to offer without having to worry too much about it raining on your parade!
But, the best reason to visit Tahiti during this time of year is that you’ll be able to capitalize on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whales! That’s right — from mid-July to mid-November, thousands of humpback whales migrate through the waters around French Polynesia.
During this migration period, visitors and locals can swim alongside these majestic creatures and observe them up close! Thus, if you have a bit of flexibility in your schedule, I highly recommend visiting Tahiti and anywhere in French Polynesia during August or September.
🐋 Want to swim with whales in French Polynesia? Head to this part of the post!
What If I Can’t Visit During August or September?
However, I know the fairy godmother of schedule-making isn’t always kind, so you may not be free to visit during this time of the year. If that’s you — don’t worry! You’ll still have an unforgettable trip to French Polynesia! And, to help you pick when the next best time to visit Tahiti, let’s take a closer look at the different seasons in French Polynesia!
Best Time to Visit Tahiti by Season
Similar to the tropical island of Guam, French Polynesia experiences two distinct weather seasons throughout the year: a rainy season and a dry season. This is due to the island’s proximity to the equator, which causes the amount of rain to vary more than the actual temperature changes. Below, I’ll explain what you can expect during each season and which season is better for visiting Tahiti.
Tahiti Dry Season
Tahiti’s dry season runs from May to October. The dry season is characterized by cooler temperatures with average low temperatures around the mid-60s °F and average highs in the mid to high 70s °F. As you likely gathered from the name, you can expect fewer rainy days. Usually, there are only 3 – 5 rain days per month, which not only means more sunny days but also less humidity! 😅
However, I think the biggest perk is that less rain and wind make for improved underwater visibility. Snorkeling is one of the most popular excursions available around Tahiti, and clear days make a whole world of difference in seeing the diverse underwater life up close!
✅ 🐠 Check out this awesome snorkeling tour around Tahiti!
Moreover, if you’re keen on hiking around Tahiti, the dry season is a great time of year to do so. You won’t have to worry about the rivers flooding or trekking through lots of mud. Likewise, the dry season is a good time to visit if you’re looking to surf around Tahiti. The waves are pretty clean, and you can find breaks suitable for every level of experience. Overall, if you can make it happen, I would highly recommend visiting Tahiti during the dry season. You’ll experience more favorable weather, see clear blue waters, and have better conditions for exploring!
Tahiti Rainy Season
On the other side, there’s Tahiti’s rainy season, or wet season, which lasts from November to April. During this period, Tahiti experiences anywhere from 6 to 10 days of rain each month. Temperatures are also warmer this time of the year compared to the dry season.
As mentioned previously, French Polynesia is located in the southern hemisphere. Therefore, when the United States and Europe are experiencing cold winter weather, Tahiti is in peak summer.
Around the islands, the average high temperatures are consistently in the 80s °F. Normally, temperatures in the 80°s aren’t that bad but add the high amount of humidity and it can be not so fun if you aren’t from San Diego or another place with lots of humidity.
The one thing I will say about visiting during the wet season is that the rainy days aren’t usually that bad. When I visited, the weather app would say there was an 80% chance of rain. As you would expect, it rained. But, it would only rain for a little bit — as in half an hour to an hour. It would come and go throughout the day and rarely ever downpours the entire day.
So, if you’re visiting during the rainy season, you’ll probably experience a bit of rain in Tahiti. But, it’s not the end of the world! Just remember to bring an umbrella, waterproof jacket, or light raincoat with you!
✅☔️Check out the compact umbrella I always carry with me when traveling!
Weather in Tahiti by Month
With its proximity to the equator, the temperature in French Polynesia stays relatively stable throughout the year. During the day, the average temperature in Tahiti ranges from 66° – 84°F (19 – 29°C), so it’s pretty warm without being too hot. But, we know averages are just that — averages. For a better understanding of what to expect for your specific trip, here’s a breakdown of the weather in Tahiti by month.
Tahiti Weather January
January is the middle of the rainy season in Tahiti, so expect a lot of precipitation. With the excess rain, you can expect lots of cloudy days. Temperatures are also pretty warm/hot since it’s also considered their summer season. Oftentimes, it’ll feel even warmer due to the humidity in the air. And, of course, with the hot ambient air temperatures comes warmer waters. Swimming in the ocean feels like you’re swimming through a hot tub at times.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 83°F / 70°F or 28°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: at least 10 rainy days
- Recommendations: Bring lots of reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a big hat, and a rain jacket!
🌊 PRO TIP: Consider bringing a rash guard if you plan on spending lots of time in the water. Even though the waters are very warm, it’s so easy to get sunburnt. Wearing a rash guard will not only provide some protection against harmful UV rays but also prevent unwanted sunburns!
Tahiti Weather February
February isn’t much better as it’s still peak rain season. You can expect rain practically every other day, if not more, but hey it adds to the adventure right!? Temperatures are pretty much the same situation as in January. And again, with the warm ambient air, you can expect very humid days too. So, if you don’t do well in these conditions, I wouldn’t recommend traveling to Tahiti during February. But, if it’s the only time you’re able to make your way to the islands, I’d say it’s still very much worth it!
- Average Temperature (high/low): 83°F / 70°F or 28°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 9 rainy days
- Recommendations: Make sure to book a hotel with air conditioning as opposed to an Airbnb or place on VRBO that doesn’t offer AC.
Tahiti Weather March
Of all the months, March is the hottest month of the year in Tahiti. And, unfortunately, temperatures often rise past the average high temperature. That said, I wouldn’t say this is necessarily a bad thing or automatically deem March as the worst time to visit. The reason is that March is when the number of rainy days starts to decrease. As such, you can expect a few more clear, sunny days and less humidity. So if you’re a fan of hotter days or perhaps your spring break occurs in March, Tahiti is still worth visiting — at least I think so 🙂
- Average Temperature (high/low): 84°F / 71°F or 29°C / 22°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 7 rainy days
- Recommendations: Bring adequate water with you everywhere you go. My friends and I usually stocked up on giant water bottles from Carrefour every two days.
Tahiti Weather April
April is the final month of the rainy season, so you can expect almost half as many rain days as January. But, I would still anticipate a rainy day or two during your stay. Temperatures are slightly cooler than in March and resemble that of January and February. You can also count on lower humidity levels, which is a bonus.
But, the best part about visiting in April is that it marks the start of the surf season in Tahiti. So, to any fellow surfers, beginner or experienced, looking to catch some good waves will be in luck! That said, remember to always check local surf forecasts before heading out as conditions can change quickly.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 83°F / 70°F or 28°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 6 rainy days
- Recommendations: Even if you don’t surf, I highly recommend taking a taxi boat out to see the powerful Teahupo’o wave! It’s one of the most famous surf breaks in the world and you often will see professional surfers out here!
✅ 🏄♀️ Check rates & availability for a boat tour of Teahupo’o
Tahiti Weather May
May is the start of the dry season in Tahiti so you can expect considerably less rain compared to the peak rainy season. Temperatures also begin to dip a little… as in temperatures dip by a couple of degrees. But hey, anything helps in making it more comfortable! These factors make May time of the year a good time to visit Tahiti if you want to avoid summer crowds from those living in the northern hemisphere.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 82°F / 69°F or 28°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 5 rainy days
- Recommendations: Begin looking for flights well in advance! My friends and I booked with StudentUniverse (see why I love this company), which had amazing deals! I highly recommend checking this platform out, and you don’t need to be a student to create an account!
✅ ✈️ Sign up for StudentUniverse here to receive $20 off your first booking
Tahiti Weather June
During June, temperatures continue to drop, and humidity levels become much more bearable with the decrease in the rain. Simultaneously, this is the start of the peak travel season for Tahiti and her islands as kids get out of school and families head out for vacation.
But, it’s not just the good weather that gets people excited, it’s the surf conditions too! June is the start of the winter season for Tahiti. This means surfers can expect excellent surf conditions on the island as a result of the strong winter swells from the Southern Ocean. So, with all this considered, June is a great month to visit Tahiti. In fact, June is the month that my friends and I visited, and we loved it! The crowds weren’t too bad, and it was quite enjoyable.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 80°F / 67°F or 27°C / 19°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 4 rainy days
- Recommendations: Book any fun excursions around the island, like this thrilling 4X4 tour, you want to do in advance. Also, know that your trip might be expensive since increased demand typically results in increased prices!
Tahiti Weather July
If the heat is not your friend and you’re more sensitive to hot and humid weather, July is a fantastic month to visit Tahiti. Temperatures continue to drop a tiny bit, which may not seem like much. But, after visiting, I can confirm that any relief from the heat and humidity is always welcomed.
And again, with July being part of the driest period of the year, Tahiti has only a couple of rainy days. So you’ll be able to spend most, if not all, of your days exploring without fretting over whether it’ll rain or not.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 79°F / 66°F or 26°C / 19°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 3 rainy days
- Recommendations: If you want to stay in a dreamy overwater bungalow on Tahiti, you can do so at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti. Just be sure to book as far out as you can because they are highly sought after and usually sell out.
Tahiti Weather August
August is considered the *coldest* month in Tahiti. If you’re like me, the words August and cold may seem odd together, but remember it’s Tahiti’s winter season! Add lower humidity levels and long sunny days to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a lovely vacation.
For this reason, August is a fabulous time to go snorkeling through the clear waters, soak up the sun on the stunning beaches, or chase after a waterfall or two! And, since I gotta look out for my fellow surfers, this is the time of year when you can see some monster waves! The iconic surf break, Teahupo’o, is known for generating perfect barrels this time of year!
During the 2022 season, Teahupoo had some of the biggest waves in a decade! These are called XXL days (see YouTube video) and the island will issue a code red. So if you’re a very experienced surfer looking to challenge yourself with huge swells, this is a great time to go!
- Average Temperature (high/low): 79°F / 65°F or 26°C / 18°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 3 rainy days
- Recommendations: Even non-surfers can marvel at this force of nature by taking a taxi boat to the break! When my friends and I were out there, we were joined by a little 3-year-old and her parents. The experience can only be described as otherworldly.
Tahiti Weather September
For those who have more flexible schedules, September is easily one of the best times to visit Tahiti. It’s one of the driest months, and similar to August, there’s an abundance of sunny days, cool weather, and low humidity! The difference between the two months is that most kids will be back in school. Thus, if you visit in September, you can enjoy the island without throngs of tourists. Plus, prices for housing, excursions, and even flights tend to fall with a decrease in demand, which is Kristin-approved! 😅
But, the biggest perk of visiting during September is having the opportunity to swim alongside humpback whales! Whale season technically lasts from mid-July to mid-November. However, I believe you have the best chances of seeing and swimming with them if you go during the middle of the season as opposed to the beginning or end of whale season.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 79°F / 66°F or 26°C / 19°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 3 rainy days
- Recommendations: Plan on swimming with these majestic giants? Make your reservation as soon as you can! Spots are very limited, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss out on!
✅ Check rates and availability for this highly-rated whale tour in Tahiti
🐋 Check rates and availability for this popular & affordable whale excursion in Moorea
Tahiti Weather October
October is the last month of the dry season in Tahiti, so you’ll start to see a little more rain. But, temperatures are still pretty pleasant with conditions similar to that of July, August, and September. Not to mention, with 12 hours of daylight, you can bask in the long days filled with plenty of sunshine and outdoor adventures!
- Average Temperature (high/low): 80°F / 67°F or 27°C / 19°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 4 rainy days
- Recommendations: If you have time in your schedule, I encourage you to explore Tahiti’s nearby sister island, Moorea! It’s super easy to visit on a day trip!
Tahiti Weather November
November is the start of the long summer season, so daytime temperatures usually climb to the high 80s. And unfortunately, you’re unlikely to find much reprieve at night. In addition to this, November marks the beginning of the wet season. Thus, you can expect to see a significant increase in both rainfall and humidity. So, if you’re looking for a dry and sunny vacation, November might not be the best month to visit Tahiti.
However, if you can get past the heat and rain, there are still plenty of activities to do on the island! For example, my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands and exploring the Papeete Market.
- Average Temperature (high/low): 81°F / 69°F or 27°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 6 rainy days
- Recommendations: If you have limited time, check out this excellent and affordable tour of the island! The guides are awesome and eliminate the stress of navigating the roads!
Tahiti Weather December
Just like January, December is one of the wettest months of the year, with the island often receiving more than 12 inches of rain. In addition, you can expect temperatures to continue to rise from November since it becomes the peak summer season in French Polynesia. For these reasons, you may want to think twice about visiting during this time of the year if you can’t stand the heat and rain.
All this said, if you’re okay with lots of rain and looking to trade a white winter wonderland for sandy beaches, Tahiti is likely worth visiting. One of the silver linings is celebrating Christmas and New Year in Tahiti! You can usually find some holiday celebrations happening around Tahiti. For instance, the markets will put up Christmas decorations and fireworks go off on New Year’s Eve. Plus, you’ll find parties happening around bars and restaurants – so it can be fun!
- Average Temperature (high/low): 82°F / 70°F or 28°C / 21°C
- Average # of Rainy Days: 10 rainy days
- Recommendations: Similar to January, make sure to bring a good umbrella and rain jacket with you everywhere you go!
What Is the Best Month to Visit Tahiti?
Considering everything mentioned above, I think the best month to visit Tahiti is September. Not only is this when the weather is at its best, but it’s the middle of whale season. From mid-July to mid-November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctic waters to calve or give birth to their young.
And, while you should try to see them no matter what if you’re visiting during whale season… there are typically lower chances if you go at the beginning or end of the season (July or November). Thus, I recommend swimming with them in August, September, or October if you can!
Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia
Furthermore, a fun fact is that French Polynesia is also one of the only places in the world where you can swim with whales respectfully in their natural habitat. The tour companies that head the whale watching and swimming excursions always make sure that the whales are not disturbed, and everything is done in as safe of a manner as possible.
And while there’s technically no guarantee you’ll see whales, with them being wild creatures, these tour companies truly do offer you the best chance of spotting them. So, if you’re looking for the experience of a lifetime that will probably end up being the highlight of your trip, here are the two tours I highly recommend!
✅ Check rates and availability for this highly-rated whale tour in Tahiti
🐋 Check rates and availability for this popular & affordable whale excursion in Moorea
Cheapest Time to Visit Tahiti
If you’re traveling to French Polynesia on a budget, the cheapest time to visit Tahiti is during the wet season (November – April). This is because the weather is less favorable with the excess rain, so there are usually fewer tourists. As you would expect, less tourist demand leads to lower costs on flights, hotels, and other accommodations.
However, if you want to know a specific month, I would argue that November is probably the cheapest month. Most people tend to go home to celebrate Thanksgiving, and the breaks aren’t usually long enough for a getaway to French Polynesia. Thus, I would expect the least amount of tourists to travel to French Polynesia in November.
That said, I believe that you can find some great deals during December and January as well. This is the peak rainy season in Tahiti. So, even though some people may visit to celebrate the holidays or retreat from the cold, hotels and tours still run sales to attract more visitors.
Worst Time to Visit Tahiti
Honestly, if you ask me, I don’t think there’s a ✨worst✨ time to visit Tahiti… A trip to a remote island, where you can unplug from the external pressures of life and just live in the moment sounds pretty dang good — ✨anytime✨. But, if I had to pick, I would say that the worst time to visit Tahiti is March.
Although March isn’t the wettest time of the year, it’s the hottest time of the year. And, there’s still a fair bit of tropical showers, which equates to humidity. As someone who once lived in San Diego and is used to 110°F summers, this isn’t a huge problem for me. But, I know these conditions can be a major deal-breaker for others. So, I’d say March is probably the least enticing.
Where to Stay in Tahiti
If you need recommendations on where to stay, here are a few places worth checking out!
Low-Cost Stays
- Fare D’hôtes Tutehau — A local homestay | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Manaeva Lodge — Another stay with a local family | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Te Moana Tahiti Resort — A beautiful waterfront resort | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- Vanira Lodge — The best housing located near Teahupo’o | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Intercontinental Resort Tahiti — Waterfront, luxury hotel | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- This is where you’ll find the overwater bungalows
- Hilton Hotel Tahiti — The ultimate package in terms of amenities & service | ⭐️ 9.0 / 10
Best Time to Visit Tahiti: FAQ
The high season in Tahiti is June – August as this is summer break for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere.
There is an off-season in Tahiti. It’s pretty much anything outside of June to August. But, if you want to avoid the heavy rainfall AND crowds, you should visit either in April – May or September – October!
The period where there’s the greatest risk of hurricanes forming in Tahiti is December – April. But, I wouldn’t be too worried as hurricanes rarely occur in French Polynesia. The last major hurricane or cyclone, as they call them in the southern hemisphere, occurred in 2010. When they happen, the islands issue a red alert, all roads are closed, and everyone is instructed to find shelter.
If you’re solely visiting Tahiti, I recommend a good 5 days! This will give you lots of time to explore the island, embark on fun excursions, and even time to take the ferry to Moorea. However, if you want to do some immersive excursions in Moorea, Bora Bora, and/or other places, then I’d try to aim for at least 3 days on each island.
Tahiti is in the same time zone as Hawaii, which is GMT-10. So if you’re normally PST like me, Tahiti is 3 hours behind us.
The best way to get to Tahiti is to fly directly into the Fa’a’ā International Airport in Tahiti’s capital, Papeete! There are direct flights from LAX and SFO. From there, you can easily fly to the smaller French Polynesia islands if needed.
Wrap-Up: Best Time to Visit Tahiti (2024)
French Polynesia is a tropical paradise located in the central South Pacific Ocean. This string of islands near the equator is known for its year-round tropical climate that consists of warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and plenty of rain! Depending on when you visit, rain in Tahiti will vary significantly. But, the overall best time to visit Tahiti is September.
Not only will you be able to avoid the busy tourist season and have the least amount of rain to deal with but also you’ll have the amazing opportunity to swim alongside whales! And, observing these ethereal creatures up close is one of the most magical experiences you can embark on. So, if you ask me, the best time to visit Tahiti and immerse yourself in the local culture of French Polynesia is September!
📸 Appreciation Note: You’ll notice that a few of the pictures in this post were taken by my friend good friend Sol! You can see more of his amazing photography here!
Tahiti Packing List
