Tahiti Weather

About the author, Michael Cottam Founder of Visual Itineraries, Michael lives in Bend, Oregon. He's an avid traveler, scuba diver, photographer, and a private pilot, and also the founder of Bright Yonder, which offers marketing tools to travel agents. He's been to Fiji, Thailand, Vietnam, Seychelles, Kenya, France, England, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belize, Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, British Virgin Islands, Mexico, and the major islands in French Polynesia. He's been in Rotary for 22 years, currently on the board of the Greater Bend Rotary Club. Here's his LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Tahiti Weather: High Season vs. Low Season

During the high season, temperatures are milder and there are fewer rain showers with less humidity, and better visibility for divers. However, there are two or three times as many tourists per resort – thus increasing demand for sightseeing activities and prices for lodging and events.

Throughout the slower months, the costs are lower and there is less competition for spots on popular tours. Additionally, just because it’s off season it doesn’t mean the sun completely disappears! Tahiti still receives warming rays, although consecutive days of rain are possible.

Tahiti Weather: Average temperatures

The annual average temperature in Tahiti is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or 27 degrees Celsius. Closer to the equator, the Tuamotu Atolls and the Marquesas Islands have slightly warmer temperatures than Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

During the high season, or winter, temperatures range from 70-82 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the low season, summer, temperatures vary from 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. December and January average 12 inches of rain a month, however, Tahiti receives more hours of sun than Hawaii during the comparable humid season. Less than three inches of rain fall per month from June through September.

Tahiti Weather: Average precipitation

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Manava Beach Resort and Spa

Manava Suite Resort Tahiti 5 nights from 1,105 per person

The charming Manava Beach Resort & Spa maintains a boutique hotel feel and exudes the warm, welcoming ambiance characteristic of French Polynesia. Located on the northeast coast, this resort is only ten minutes from the airport and fifteen minutes from the ferry dock, meaning it still delivers on convenience while supplying a feeling of seclusion. (formerly: The Moorea Pearl Beach Resort)

The resort offers a range of spacious garden rooms, beachfront suites and romantic overwater villas, creating an atmosphere where both couples and families can peacefully coexist. Each overwater bungalow provides a large sundeck with direct access to the lagoon for incredible snorkeling, while each garden bungalow features a backyard with private plunge pool. The resort is also home to the largest infinity pool on the island. Other guest amenities include a poolside bar and restaurant, dive center, and activities desk with a range of excursions available.

Learn more about Manava Beach Resort and Spa

Located in the island’s northwestern region, it is a short 8 minutes from the Faa’a Airport and 15 minutes from the city center.

Tahiti Weather: Storms in French Polynesia

The humid season in Tahiti is from November to April. Occasionally, strong storms do develop. There actually ARE NO hurricanes in Tahiti (or anywhere in the South Pacific). That's not as good news as you might think--it's because they're not called hurricanes in that region, they're called cyclones :-). But there is good news: cyclones are rare, with the last powerful one occurring in 1982. You can get some pretty dramatic heavy rainfall however--during the humid season, it will often rain hard enough at night to wake you up.

High and Low Season Prices in Tahiti

The overall high season in French Polynesia extends from May 1 to October 31, although some resorts change their prices starting April 1. The low season covers November 1 to April 30.

TRAVEL SPECIAL: Maitai Rangiroa

Hotel Maitai Lagoon Rangiroa 5 nights from 1,390 per person

Whether you are looking for an unforgettable vacation or an amazing scuba diving location, Maitai Rangiroa welcomes you to the island of Rangiroa, known worldwide for its exceptional marine life.

The Hotel Maitai Rangiroa is located on the lagoon between the passes of Avatoru and Tiputa. This hotel offers excellent French Polynesia accommodation at a great value, welcoming hospitality, great facilities, a multitude of activities and much more

Learn more about Maitai Rangiroa

The Maitai Rangiroa is set facing the lagoon between Avatoru pass and Tiputa pass, where the two main villages of the island are located

Scuba Diving Visibility

French Polynesia's dry season has better visibility for scuba divers, as in the rainy season there's a lot more plankton.

However, that plankton brings the big pelagic creatures like whales, so you might actually PREFER to go in the wetter season. Peak visibility is going to be June through September--with visibility up to 60 meters.

If you're in the Society Islands (Bora Bora, Moorea, etc.) the visibility is actually pretty stable, at around 40 meters year-round.

Map of all Resorts in French Polynesia