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Weather in Rangiroa
World's second largest atoll for shark diving
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About Rangiroa
Rangiroa sprawls as the world's second-largest atoll, its lagoon so vast that islands disappear beyond the horizon. Shark diving draws adrenaline-junkies while the atoll's interior lagoon offers tranquil anchorages and manta ray snorkeling.
Best months to visit
July, August, September, October
Language
French, Tahitian
Things to do in Rangiroa
Shark dive in the Tiputa Pass
Snorkel with manta rays
Explore lagoon islands by boat
Fish for trevally and tuna
Walk deserted pink-sand beaches
Camp on pristine motus
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
February
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
March
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
April
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
May
28C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
June
27C
Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
August
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
September
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
October
27C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
November
27C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
December
28C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world, a thin ring of coral enclosing a lagoon so vast you can barely see across it. Famous among divers for the Tiputa Pass, where strong currents draw pods of dolphins, grey reef sharks and schools of barracuda, it also offers pink-sand beaches, a small vineyard growing on coral soil, and a pace of life that barely registers the wider world.
Best areas to stay in Rangiroa
Avatoru
One of the two main villages, near the airport, with shops, dive centres and pensions facing the lagoon.
Tiputa
The second main village, across the pass from Avatoru, known for its dramatic drift dives and dolphin encounters.
The Pink Sand Beach
A stretch of coral sand tinted pink by fragments of red organisms, reached by boat trip on the lagoon's far side.
Le Kai Marina vineyard
A small vineyard growing vines on volcanic ash and coral, with tastings of its unusual wines.
Getting to Rangiroa
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Flights
Fly into Faa'a International Airport (Papeete), then take a domestic flight (around 1 hour) to Rangiroa.
⏱
From London
~26-30 hours from London including connections and the onward flight.
🚕
Getting around
Bicycles and scooters cover the main villages; boat excursions are needed to reach the pink sand beach and remote motu.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Rangiroa?
May to October (the dry season) brings calmer seas and the best underwater visibility for diving and snorkelling.
How do I get to Rangiroa?
Domestic flights connect Faa'a Airport in Papeete (Tahiti) to Rangiroa in around an hour.
What is Tiputa Pass?
A channel connecting the lagoon to the ocean, famous for drift dives and snorkels with dolphins, sharks and large pelagic fish, especially on the incoming tide.
Is Rangiroa expensive?
It's pricier than mainland destinations due to its remoteness, though guesthouses (pensions) offer more affordable options than the few resorts.
What language is spoken?
French and Tahitian are the main languages; English is spoken at dive centres and accommodation but less so elsewhere.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Drift dive through Tiputa Pass with dolphins swimming alongside us was the highlight of our entire Pacific trip.
Marama T. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Far quieter than Bora Bora and Moorea — the lagoon is enormous and the pink sand beach trip was worth the long boat ride.
Oliver G. · July 2024
★★★★★
Tasted wine grown on a coral atoll, which sounds like a gimmick but was genuinely interesting and the staff were lovely.
Sofia M. · September 2023
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