French Polynesia Weather
and Climate Charts
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French Polynesia
Pacific Travel Guides
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French Polynesia Weather
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The French Polynesia weather is typically tropical. Summer, between December and April, is hotter and more humid with a higher rainfall and the risk of tropical storms. Winter is between May and November and is cooler and drier. The Marquesas islands in the north (closer to the equator) are noticeably warmer than the main island of French Polynesia and the Austral and Gambier Islands in the south (further from equator) are noticeably cooler and a jumper is necessary at night and early morning. The main island of French Polynesia and also Moorea are both high volcanic islands and accumulate clouds around its mountain peaks creating more rain and humidity in the south eastern side of the islands (windward or facing south-east tradewinds). Similarly, the western sides are much drier and protected from the trade winds making it feel hotter. Small coral islands tend to feel cooler with constant sea breezes although they have less shade from the sun and receive little rainfall.
Summer - December to April
The summer rainy season begins in December and lasts until April. During this time it can become hot and humid (29oC by day) with bright sunny mornings and late afternoon downpours around the larger islands As the heat accumulates over the Pacific Ocean during this season, depressions can form bringing with them torrential downpours, strong winds and the occasional tropical cyclone. This 'rainy season' is a good time to come to experience the lush vibrancy of the countryside. The down side is high humidity, sticky nights and more mosquitoes.
Winter - May to October
By midwinter in July the average daily temperature is a very pleasant 25oC. Temperatures become pleasantly cool at night (19oC) and a light jumper may be necessary in the evenings and early mornings.
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Papeete |
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Temp
(oC) |
Sun
(hrs / day) |
Rainfall
(cm / month) |
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Nov - Apr
(summer) |
29 / 21 |
6.1 |
230 |
May - Oct
(winter) |
25 / 19 |
6.0 |
123 |
French Polynesia Tourist Information
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Fiji Tourist Information
Cook Islands Tourist Information
Samoa Tourist Information
Tonga Tourist Information
Hawaii Tourist Information
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