Moorea panorama sofitela sofitel moorea ia ora beach resort

Moorea, French Polynesia

Best time to visit French Polynesia

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

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Discover the best time to visit

French Polynesia is a year-round destination, with warm weather, turquoise lagoons, and lush green landscapes, whatever month you travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! 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!

Sep 17, 2025
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, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 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 Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. 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 (and I believe are) 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!

Jul 3, 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, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - 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. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 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.

Jun 5, 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!,

Jun 5, 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!)!

Jun 5, 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!

Jun 5, 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.