Best time to visit Tahiti

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Tahiti

Best time of year to visit Tahiti

Balm, dry, and less humid period between May and October is considered to be the best time to visit Tahiti. Austral winter is known as a peak tourist season and lures travellers from all over the world to catch pearl harvest season, watch sharks, and do some diving and surfing. In July, you can also enjoy a few weeks of the Heiva celebrations full of traditional Polynesian singing and dancing. Even though long Tahitian summer from November to April brings in agonizing heat, unbearable humidity, and heavy downpours, there will be some sunny days to enjoy turquoise-water beaches, go see waterfalls and Tiare Tahiti flowers. Heavy rains during summertime are usually interspersed with periods of sunshine. That's why the rooms are still in high demand, and the rates remain high, even though resorts see fewer tourists.

13 THINGS TO DO IN TAHITI (JULY 04 - JULY 13)

Heiva i Tahiti

Heiva i Tahiti

July 1–15, 2023 • event

Discover the symbol of the Polynesian culture and an iconic event for people proud of their heritage and history

Shark Watching and Feeding

Shark Watching and Feeding

June–November • nature

Your heart rate will rise in the presence of some of these deadly sea predators, swimmers can join the packs in water, while non-swimmers may watch the action from aboard

Diving and Snorkeling around Tahiti

Diving and Snorkeling around Tahiti

April–November • activity

Take an unforgettable diving trip in Tahiti during the Polynesia winter when the water temperature is lower and the visibility is clearer

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Watching

November–July • nature

Check out leaping and playing dolphins in the turquoise waters around your boat—a truly joyful experience in Tahiti

Tahitian Pearl Harvest

Tahitian Pearl Harvest

May–November • activity

If pearls have captured your heart, come to Tahiti and see how they grow and are harvested

Surfing

Surfing

All year (best May–October) • activity

Surfers' dreams come true in Tahiti—home to the world's best waves

Polynesian Breadfruit (Uru or Ulu)

Polynesian Breadfruit (Uru or Ulu)

July–August | November–April • food

Special thanks to the British Captain Cook who discovered this versatile fruit in French Polynesia

Ma'a Tahiti

Ma'a Tahiti

all year round • food

Give a try to a traditional Tahitian dish prepared in a typical underground oven

Vanilla

Vanilla

March–July (harvest) | July–August (pollination) • food

Learn about vanilla growing process and taste Tahitian ice-cream, cakes, others desserts, and tropical cocktails with vanilla—the islands' delicious signature

Hiking

Hiking

May–October • activity

Explore Tahiti's beauty by foot while visiting Fautaua Valley and the Hitiaa Lava Tubes

Tiare Tahiti

Tiare Tahiti

September–April (all year round) • nature

Tahitian emblematic flower is celebrated during Tiare Honoring Days through weaving wreaths and bunches of the favourite blossoms

Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing

all year round • activity

Access every corner of Tahiti, admiring its turquoise serenity

Poisson Cru

Poisson Cru

May–September • food

Try this fresh and simple, yet flavorful, delicate, and perfectly harmonious national dish of Tahiti

6 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales

out of rangeAugust–October • nature

Don't miss the opportunity to observe humpback whales and swim up close with these ocean giants

Stone Fishing

Stone Fishing

out of rangeNovember • activity

Experience this centuries-old Polynesian tradition of catching fish

Papara Pro Surf Festival

Papara Pro Surf Festival

overMarch 9–13, 2020 • event

This is your chance to witness the uprise of new "kings of waves" on this tiny tropical island in the Pacific!

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

out of rangeOctober–June • activity

Discover deep sea fishing in the open Pacific Ocean and enjoy fabulous views of the islands

XTERRA Tahiti

XTERRA Tahiti

out of rangeMay 21, 2023 (Swimrun) | May 27–28, 2023 (Trail) | October 21–22, 2023 (Triathlon) • event

This two day triathlon competition crosses several iconic sites of Tahiti

Waterfalls After Rain

Waterfalls After Rain

out of rangeNovember–March • nature

Discover the uninhabited world of Papenoo Valley with its lakes, waterfalls, and giant rocks

Last updated:
Jan
5.6
Feb
5.4
Mar
5.5
Apr
5.7
May
6.2
Jun
6.8
Jul
7.3
Aug
7.6
Sep
7.3
Oct
7
Nov
6.3
Dec
5.7

Tahiti weather in January

5.6/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
23 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
January holds the position in the middle of the wet season timeline. No surprise, it’s one of the rainiest months of the year. If abundant precipitation doesn’t bother you, you may swim as the water warms up to 29°C (84°F). But it won’t be a typical beach holiday: if swimming in the rain might be fun, sunbathing is not. Besides, even when it’s not raining, the sky may get cloudy and intervene with your plans for sunbathing. Still, over 12 hours of sunshine are expected daily.

Tahiti weather in February

5.4/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
25 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The weather in February doesn’t differ noticeably from the conditions in January. The rainy season is in full swing. Precipitation could be less abundant than in January in some years, while other years bring more rains in February. The air and water temperatures are equally warm. Sometimes, the water is even warmer. If you visit Tahiti in February, most likely, it’s going to rain every day, possibly, several times a day, in unexpected showers. Humidity leaves little room for freshness, and you need to get used to it to feel bearable.

Tahiti weather in March

5.5/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
21 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Gradually, the rain season approaches its end: the number of precipitation days reduces, and the sky gets cloudy more rarely. In terms of temperatures, nothing changes: you can expect 28°C (82°F) days and nights. The same is fair for water. As an alternative for swimming and sunbathing, which are likely to be interrupted by brief rains, you may spend time hiking or traveling around. However, make sure that you can tolerate a rather high temperature combined with the humidity of over 80%.

Tahiti weather in April

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
19 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
In April, you get half as much rain as there was in January, as the transition to the next six-month dry cycle starts. The sky is mostly clear, but occasional clouds should not disappoint you. Rains are common, but they are usually brief. Also, with high temperatures everything evaporates quickly. Late April in Tahiti marks the beginning of the dry season, a so-called Austral or Southern winter.

Tahiti weather in May

6.2/10 score
Good
27° average
average temperatures
17 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
From now on, for six months, you can forget about a raincoat and umbrella. Although it might rain, the chances for it drop abruptly. Simultaneously, the temperature decreases a bit. Even though the marks on the thermometer don’t shift considerably, the weather in May is more bearable than the conditions during the previous half a year. The air gets drier, and it would be easier for you to breathe and tolerate high temperatures.

Tahiti weather in June

6.8/10 score
Good
26° average
average temperatures
17 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
June is typically sunny and dry. The combination of warm water and air makes it perfect for beach holidays. You can spend a day swimming and sunbathing, and a fresh breeze would make your stay even comfier. If you are into surfing, but you lack practice, moderate June waves give you a chance to level up your skills. This time is also suitable for exploring the island: you won’t get exhausted quickly as heavy, humid days are left behind with the Austral summer.

Tahiti weather in July

7.3/10 score
Very good
26° average
average temperatures
16 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Sightseeing and hiking are also excellent in July. The weather is almost identical to June. The only difference is that it gets a bit sunnier and drier. In Tahiti, the temperature doesn’t vary much. But July is one of the few months when it could drop to 18-20°C (65-68°F). The chances for such a decrease are low, yet packing a light jacket won’t be superfluous. You may find it cozier to put it on after sunset.

Tahiti weather in August

7.6/10 score
Very good
25° average
average temperatures
16 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
August is the coldest month of the year. It means that the average temperature drops to 25-26°C (77-79°F), and water is no longer as warm as a cup of tea. Hence, if you find swimming at 24°C (75°F) more comfortable, then visiting Tahiti in August should be your choice. Also, consider coming to the island if you’re into surfing: the waves are just right. Depending on how skillful you’re are at surfing, you may choose a location that fits your capabilities. Luckily, Tahiti has no shortage of various surfing spots.

Tahiti weather in September

7.3/10 score
Very good
26° average
average temperatures
17 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
September brings the first signs of the transition to the wet season. The sky gets slightly more cloudy, and the abundance of precipitation increases. Yet it’s not the time to take a raincoat from the wardrobe. The temperature is the same as it was in previous months, but the water warms up a bit, and you might find it harder to breathe. These tiny teasers to the rainy season should not frustrate you as you can still enjoy a sunny day on a beach. Similar to June and July, this Austral winter month is also suitable for other outdoor activities, not only the water-related.

Tahiti weather in October

7/10 score
Very good
26° average
average temperatures
18 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
In October, the dry season officially ends. The weather resembles March, with its cloudy sky and unexpected showers. Besides, October introduces a pretty harsh nature phenomenon, the so-called El Niño. Typically, trade winds push the warm water of the Pacific Ocean from South America towards Australia and Indonesia. But, occasionally, in calendar autumn or winter, these winds are not strong enough and blow reversely, namely in the direction of South America. Those are the conditions when El Niño arises. It brings more torrential rains, cyclones, and hurricanes. Not only October is a risky month, as the phenomenon may burst at any time of year from October to April.

Tahiti weather in November

6.3/10 score
Good
27° average
average temperatures
19 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
November is the first month of the pure Austral or Southern summer after the six-month winter. In November, the heat and humidity increase, and air conditions become uncomfortable. It rains every other day or even more frequently. Hence, the finest hour of your raincoat and umbrella has come. Carry them as you’ll need to protect yourself from brief but heavy downpours.

Tahiti weather in December

5.7/10 score
Acceptable
28° average
average temperatures
21 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
If you thought it was raining a lot in November, December brings in even more abundant precipitation. Downpours are more frequent and heavier. The air gets so humid you could almost touch it. Such weather conditions are not the most welcoming as you won’t have many opportunities to leave your shelter, to swim, or to explore the island. Hence, if you have a choice, put aside an idea to come to Tahiti in December and think of a more favorable season.