The Best Time of Year to Visit French Polynesia

July and August are considered the best months to visit French Polynesia. This is the middle of the dry season when the weather is more predictable. During this time you can expect bright sun, comfortable temperatures of 20 – 28C, and very little rain.

But here’s an insider tip: the shoulder months of April, May, October, and November draw smaller crowds to French Polynesia and still have pleasant weather conditions. If you don’t mind some rain, low season travel means having the islands almost all to yourself! And the rain in the tropics is pretty spectacular.

French Polynesia seasons

The balmy tropical climate of French Polynesia results in two distinct seasons: Wet season (low season) and Dry season (high season).

Wet season is November through April. During these months the weather can be unpredictable with rainy spells - sometimes up to 12 inches per month. Humidity and warm temperatures around 30 degrees consistently prevail.

Dry season is May through October. This period promises bright sun, comfortable temperatures ranging from 20 – 28 Celsius, and very little rain.

French Polynesia hurricane season

Many people inquire about the French Polynesia hurricane season. While its location on the outer edge of the hurricane belt makes this a rare occurrence, hurricanes - or cyclones as they are called in this region - do sometimes occur. Chances of a hurricane are slim, although rain storms are most likely to happen in December or January.

However, traveling to French Polynesia during Christmas and New Year is a magical experience that few tourists accomplish. The perks of booking a yacht charter with Boataffair during the holiday season include access to an extensive network of 5-star gourmet restaurants in French Polynesia ready to cater to your every whim. If intimate services and privacy appeal to you, low season travel might be the ticket!

Drenched in natural beauty, French Polynesia provides travelers with the utmost luxury and exclusivity. Discovering these South Pacific islands from the deck of a private catamaran is the crown jewel of travel experiences.

Browse our luxury yacht charters in French Polynesia

Tahiti vs Bora Bora

Comparing these two sun-soaked jewels in the South Pacific is like comparing diamonds and pearls; both are equally beautiful, but with different characteristics. The type of holiday you want determines which island you visit.

Tahiti, like a diamond, is flashier, draws crowds, and is flush with activities and things to do. It’s more urbanized than Bora Bora and boasts a lively nightlife, impressive shopping area, and world-class beaches.

Papeete—the capital of French Polynesia on Tahiti—is a bustling port with charter yachts and catamarans waiting to take you deeper into the sapphire seas of the South Pacific. The handicraft market, food stalls, and local history make the capital city an especially fun place for tourists to spend time. When you’re ready to immerse in traditional dancing, nature excursions, and fine dining, Moorea is just a few hours west of Papeete by catamaran.

Then there’s Bora Bora, the pearl of French Polynesia. The sophisticated natural beauty sits quietly northwest of Tahiti, bestowed with endless white sand beaches, drooping palms, and irresistible over-water bungalows. Bora Bora is the perfect island to explore by catamaran.

Less than 50 kilometers southeast of Bora Bora, Raiatea awaits to inspire with its craggily coast line and rugged beauty. Because there are no beaches on Raiatea, the island (and its close neighbor, Tahaa) is the catamaran and yacht-chartering center of French Polynesia. If you’re looking for a beach to lounge on around Raiatea, check out one of the nearly-deserted islets for some secluded sand time, only accessible by boat. For an adventurous afternoon, pay a visit to Faaroa Bay and explore the dense tropical rainforest that surrounds the ancient Faaroa River by SUP board or kayak.  

Best time of year to visit Bora Bora

Pristine and intimate, Bora Bora attracts honeymooners and couples looking for the ultimate romantic getaway. Dry season, between May – October, is a popular time to visit.

However, at Boataffair, we think the best time of year to visit Bora Bora is when everyone else is not. The shoulder months of April and November are great months to sneak away to Bora Bora and still get warm, relatively dry weather and fewer tourists. Imagine sparsely-populated beaches, uninterrupted views of the glimmering horizon from your catamaran, and day excursions to tucked-away islets seemingly made just for you.

Additionally, if you’re looking for an extra special Christmas or New Year’s getaway, Boataffair organizes private yacht charters that promise to make your holidays unforgettable.

Here's an example of one of our Bora Bora Island Hopping yacht experiences.

Do hurricanes hit Bora Bora?

Bora Bora is not prone to hurricanes due to its location on the outskirts of the hurricane belt. Rainfall is common in December and January, however if you don’t mind a little rain, you’ll be French Polynesia’s exclusive guests.

Best time of year to visit Tahiti

Similar to Bora Bora, Tahiti’s high season is May – October. The dry season — particularly July and August — is considered peak season and attracts many catamaran and yacht charters. While the temperatures are comfortable and the weather is sunny and dry, you’ll be asked to share the splendor with other travelers. If you want to cut down on crowds, stick to the shoulder months of April, May, October, and November for near-perfect weather for your catamaran charters. Again, low season travel has its perks if you’re looking to keep Tahiti’s beauty all to yourself.

Is there a hurricane season in Tahiti?

Tahiti’s location ensures there is no real hurricane season. As with Bora Bora, warm and balmy weather can be expected year-round, with more unpredictable weather expected between November and April. While December and January bring up to 12 inches of rain, the tradeoff is experiencing very few tourists. Additionally, restaurants in French Polynesia remain open during Christmas and New Year, making it an ideal time to experience the island’s exquisite cuisine and well-known hospitality.

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No matter the season, a romantic getaway awaits in French Polynesia. Check out Boataffair’s fleet of French Polynesia yacht charters and take your most exclusive holiday in 2021.