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Weather in Tahiti
Gauguin's island of volcanic mystery and lagoons
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About Tahiti
Tahiti rises dramatically from the Pacific, its volcanic peaks shrouded in mist and jungle, fringed by lagoons of impossible turquoise. Gauguin found paradise in these islands; modern travellers still chase the dream of tropical transcendence.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
French, Tahitian
Things to do in Tahiti
Snorkel lagoon coral gardens
Hike to Fachoda waterfall
Visit black-sand beaches
Tour vanilla and copra plantations
Explore nearby Moorea
Dive pristine reefs
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
26C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
February
26C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
March
26C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
April
26C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
May
25C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
June
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
July
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
August
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
September
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
October
24C
Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.
November
25C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
December
26C
Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.
Tahiti is the gateway to French Polynesia, its capital Papeete a small, lively port surrounded by jagged volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches and surf breaks that draw competitors to the legendary Teahupo'o wave. Most visitors pass through en route to the outer islands, but Tahiti itself rewards a stop with waterfalls, botanical gardens and a more authentically local Polynesian feel than its more polished neighbours.
Best areas to stay in Tahiti
Papeete
The capital and main port, with markets, restaurants and the airport for onward island connections.
Punaauia
A coastal area southwest of Papeete with beaches, the Museum of Tahiti and surf access.
Teahupo'o
A village on the southwest coast famous for its powerful surf break, popular with surfers and spectators.
Papenoo Valley
An inland valley with waterfalls and 4x4 tours through volcanic landscapes.
Getting to Tahiti
✈
Flights
Fly into Faa'a International Airport (Papeete), often via Los Angeles or Auckland.
⏱
From London
~24-28 hours from London including connections.
🚕
Getting around
Buses (le truck) and taxis serve Papeete; a hire car or organised tour is useful for reaching waterfalls and surf spots further around the island.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tahiti?
May to October (the dry season) offers the most reliable weather, while November to April is warmer and wetter with occasional tropical storms.
Is Tahiti just a stopover or worth visiting itself?
Both — many visitors use it as a transit point to Bora Bora or Moorea, but Tahiti has its own waterfalls, markets and surf culture worth a day or two.
What is Teahupo'o?
A famous and powerful surf break on Tahiti's southwest coast, considered one of the heaviest waves in the world and a stop on the professional surfing tour.
How do I get to other islands from Tahiti?
Domestic flights and ferries from Papeete connect to Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine and other islands, with Moorea also reachable by a short ferry.
What language is spoken?
French and Tahitian are both widely spoken; English is understood in tourist areas but less so elsewhere.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
Papeete's market was a great introduction to Polynesian life — vanilla, flowers and fresh fish everywhere. Felt much more local than I expected.
Manon R. · August 2023
★★★★★
Watched surfers tackle Teahupo'o from the shore and the power of that wave is something else, even from a distance.
Drew A. · September 2024
★★★★☆
Took a 4x4 tour into the Papenoo Valley and saw waterfalls and volcanic craters most visitors skip on their way to Bora Bora.
Lina V. · July 2023
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