Best time to visit French Polynesia

Best for: humpback whale and dolphin watching, visiting fruit plantations and pearl farms, sunset cruising

While winter is considered the best season to travel in, it's actually September that's considered the best month to visit French Polynesia. This is because September is the driest month with the least amount of expected rainfall and the month with the longest days (giving you more daylight hours to explore). However, because it is the best month to travel, expect prices to be higher and for there to be larger crowds. To avoid paying more than you have to, try booking your accommodation, activities, and transport well in advance. 

Part of what makes spring such a good time to travel to the islands is the range of things you can see and do while you're there! The month of September also happens to be in the middle of humpback whale season so be prepared to see some majestic creatures breach the water's surface on your travels. 

Best for: Chinese New Year celebrations (festivals, parades, dancing, etc), 4WD tours, and exploring vanilla orchids

While the temperatures during summer in French Polynesia may exceed 30°C and the humidity levels are relatively high, it's still possible to enjoy the perfect island holiday in December, January, or February. You may not be able to escape the heat when you're outside but making sure you stay at accommodation that has air conditioning will help cool you down and provide some much-needed shelter from the often harsh temperatures. The good news is that the summer season is rarely hit with tropical storms so you don't have to worry about lightning or thunderstorms impacting your trip. 

Just because the islands may be quieter, doesn't mean there's nothing to do. During the months of January and February, French Polynesia comes alive with festivals, music, and dancing to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Best for: Ori Tahiti Festival, surfing, and hiking

If you want to escape the busy crowds of the peak season (winter) then travelling to the islands during the months of March, April, and May is the way to go. Not only will the price of activities and accommodation be down, but the islands will also be quieter meaning you can explore them in relative peace. Thankfully, the weather is still perfectly reasonable during Autumn with temperatures averaging around 25°C, however, it is likely you'll experience a tropical shower or two. These showers generally don't last for very long (allowing the sunshine to poke through for long periods of time in between) but do increase in frequency as the season goes on. 

The enchanting Ori Tahiti Festival happens during April and is a must-see for any travellers adventuring through the island at this time. The Ori Tahiti Festival celebrates the traditional Tahitian dancing that was used to spread stories throughout the generations and is a spectacle to watch. Other notable things you can do during Autumn are surfing and hiking the numerous trails on each island. 

Best for: scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, and exploring the islands' jungles

If you want to experience the very best of French Polynesia, then travelling to the islands in winter is the season to do it. With warm temperatures (that aren't too hot), infrequent rainfall, and cool ocean water, the weather doesn't get any better than during the months of June, July, and August. You'll also experience the sunniest days out of any month but with that, comes the increased prices and hoards of travellers all wanting to see the same things you do. 

But this season is the best for exploring the islands' extensive marine life from scuba diving and snorkeling the coral reefs to swimming alongside lemon sharks and manta rays.