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Moorea, French Polynesia

Best time to visit French Polynesia

Month-by-month guide of when to visit French Polynesia

Best time to go to French Polynesia

Dry season – May to October

This is the most popular time to visit French Polynesia. Days are sunny, humidity is lower, and the trade winds keep temperatures comfortable. It’s the best season for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and spending long days out on the water. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the busiest period, especially in Bora Bora and Tahiti, so booking well ahead is recommended.

Wet season – November to April

French Polynesia’s wet season sees warmer temperatures, tropical downpours, and lush, green scenery. Rain often comes in short bursts, with sunshine in between. It’s a quieter and often more affordable time to travel, with fewer visitors and excellent underwater visibility for diving. The wet season is also when many cultural festivals take place, adding an extra layer of interest.

When we recommend travelling

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of good weather and fewer crowds, we often suggest the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October. These times give you plenty of sunshine and clear seas, without the peak season price tag. French Polynesia really doesn’t have a bad time to visit. It’s more about what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether that’s calm, dry days in July, or the colourful festivities and lush landscapes of January.

French Polynesia enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, but the experience can vary depending on the season. The main distinction is between the dry season (May to October) and the wetter, more humid season (November to April). Each month brings its own character, so here’s how the year looks.

January

January in French Polynesia

Expect warm, humid days with tropical showers, often short but intense. Ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming, but some days may see strong winds. Coral reefs thrive, making diving and snorkelling rewarding despite occasional rain. Tourism is quieter, so you can find good deals on luxury resorts and experience a more relaxed pace.

February

February in French Polynesia

Rain showers continue, often in the afternoon, but sunny periods dominate. It’s the romantic peak for honeymoons, with resorts offering special packages for Valentine’s Day. Cultural events are limited, but the lush landscapes and full lagoons make for spectacular photography. Diving remains excellent, with visibility slightly reduced after showers.

March

March in French Polynesia

Rainfall decreases, though occasional showers remain. The landscape is vibrant, with waterfalls full and lagoons brilliantly clear. Fewer tourists make for an intimate experience on the beaches. Whale sightings begin in some southern islands.

April

April in French Polynesia

Humidity drops and sunny days increase, making conditions more comfortable. Sea breezes keep temperatures pleasant, and the islands are lush and green. It’s a great time for water sports, island-hopping, and photography before the high season begins.

May

May in French Polynesia

The start of the dry season, with clear skies and low rainfall. Days are warm but not overly hot, perfect for snorkelling, diving, hiking, or sailing. Festivals are rare, so it’s peaceful, and accommodation rates are lower than peak season.

June

June in French Polynesia

Warm, sunny days with long daylight hours. Whale-watching season begins, especially around Moorea and the Tuamotu atolls. Water temperatures remain inviting, making diving and paddling excellent. Resorts start to fill with families and honeymooners.

July

July in French Polynesia

Peak tourist season with clear skies, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility. Traditional festivals, such as Heiva i Tahiti, showcase dance, music, and sporting events. Bookings must be early as resorts are in high demand, but the atmosphere is lively.

August

August in French Polynesia

Sunny, dry, and not too humid, making it perfect for sailing or cruising the islands. Families flock here during European summer holidays. Diving, snorkelling, and fishing are at their best.

September

September in French Polynesia

Still warm and dry, with slightly fewer crowds than July and August. Whale-watching peaks off Rurutu and Moorea. Diving and snorkelling remain excellent, and the islands feel slightly more tranquil.

October

October in French Polynesia

The shoulder month offers warm seas, settled weather, and quieter resorts. Days are ideal for hiking, lagoon excursions, and exploring islands without peak-season crowds. Water sports remain excellent, and accommodation rates are lower.

November

November in French Polynesia

Humidity rises as the wet season approaches, bringing occasional tropical showers. Landscapes are lush, rivers and waterfalls full, and diving is good with fewer tourists around. Resorts are generally less busy, offering flexible travel options.

December

December in French Polynesia

Warm, humid, and festive, with tropical showers common. Christmas and New Year attract visitors, making resorts busier and prices higher. The atmosphere is lively, with special events and island festivities.

Trips in French Polynesia

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George W

This was our 2nd trip organised via Far & Wild from Australia - previously Africa and now Sri Lanka. Nia and the rest of the team were great - excellent itinerary, happy to modify the trip based on my suggestions and research, and they handled some last minute changes caused by a health issue without any problems at all. They were very quick to reply to all messages - and the trip went really smoothly. If you want an up-market holiday, this is a great organisation to organise that sort of trip!

December, 2025
Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

August, 2025
Nick and Carly

Thank you to Nia and Far & Wild. My wife and I wanted to go to Vietnam and capture a real taste of the country from top to bottom but didn't have a clue where to start. We weren’t even sure if it was possible. Through speaking to Nia, sharing ideas and asking questions we were able to book what looked to be an extremely exciting trip - we could not wait to go. The reality of the trip more than matched our expectations. We had unforgettable experiences that we would never have been able to organise ourselves. The true value in this trip was that someone who knew what they were doing could give us the experience we truly craved. Well done Nia, it was a holiday we will never forget and we can’t wait for the next one. Thank you!

November, 2026
Kamal

Had an absolutely amazing 3 weeks in Chile and Argentina! We were a group of 8 friends - 4 couples. The vans used for our private excursions were very good and spacious. All the ground arrangements were as planned … the guides were very good - their English and knowledge was amazing. They made sure we had a good time. The picnic lunches were served in great locations with fabulous views and setup with tables and table cloths! Highly recommend Far & Wild! Looking to book another trip with them next year!

December, 2025
Lucinda F

Seamlessly organised! Brilliant suggestions of where to go which really gave us a 360 view of Kenya and hit our families need for adventure and mine for a bit of luxury.

November, 2025
Richard S

Alistair took time to understand what we were after and came up with an unforgettable Kenyan safari and beach holiday which we will all remember for a very long time. Real memory making trip with our 10 and 12 year old boys. Exactly what we hoped for and more!

November, 2025
Sue S

Otti organised a superb holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for my husband and I and our 2 adult daughters. It was our first safari and we only had a vague idea about where to start. Otti made the process so simple for us, suggesting an itinerary which she tweaked following discussions about the camps and hotels, and was really quick responding to my many queries; she was friendly, helpful and gave me complete confidence we were in excellent hands throughout. Far and Wild clearly have knowledge about the places they are recommending and work as team to provide the best service - definitely a 10 out of 10 for customer service and organising an amazing holiday for us.

September, 2025
Anonymous client

We can't thank the Far and Wild team enough for the most incredible trip we just had in Kenya. Otti really took into account what we were after and delivered an experience that exceeded all expectations. It was the trip of a lifetime! We had the most beautiful and unique time while on safari at the Instinct of the Mara. We really wanted to visit a camp that took ethical and sustainable practices seriously without compromising on the experience... and wow, it was truly wonderful and special! We'll definitely be returning. Our time at Diani beach was also lovely and very relaxing. Every step of the trip was seamless and we didn't have to worry about a thing. We had 4 domestic flights and a handful of car rides to take and everything was extremely organized and ran smoothly. We can't wait to book our next big trip!! Very grateful.

September, 2025
Claire L

Ben and Tamara at Far & Wild were exceptional in every respect. They offered thoughtful advice, excellent recommendations, and meticulous planning, weaving together their personal connections to help our family transform a collection of ideas into a magnificent six-week adventure. Every detail was handled with care - no transaction overlooked - which is all the more impressive given the complexity of moving three people across four regions of the country by every mode of transport imaginable. Their expertise gave us complete peace of mind and allowed us to simply enjoy the journey. I have already recommended Far & Wild to friends and would not hesitate to do so again.

August, 2025
Steven V

So great to be able to leave the details to the professionals at Far & Wild. Our two-week tour of Buenos Aires and southern Uruguay was pitch-perfect to our requests and goals. Amanda understood clearly what we were after, and crafted an idyllic itinerary with our style of hotels, guided tours, and transfers. Complementing Far & Wild's first-person knowledge of the territory were the excellent resources "on the ground" in Argentina and Uruguay to handle last-minute changes and requests. We've found our travel partner!

November, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024

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When to visit French Polynesia

Find out the best time to visit French Polynesia with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Warm and humid with brief tropical showers, perfect for a peaceful start to the year.

February

Tropical and romantic, ideal for couples and quiet getaways.

March

Lush and colourful, with good deals and fewer crowds.

April

Transitioning to dry season, offering comfortable weather and fewer tourists.

May

Ideal dry-season conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility.

June

Sunny, whale-friendly, and perfect for outdoor adventures.

July

Peak season with cultural celebrations and perfect lagoon conditions.

August

Dry, sunny, and ideal for families and sea adventures.

September

Warm, quiet, and prime for whale encounters.

October

Calm, warm, and perfect for a quieter island experience.

November

Lush and inviting, with occasional rain but fewer crowds.

December

Festive, warm, and vibrant, perfect for a holiday celebration.