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Tahiti is one among the five high Islands that form French Polynesia, a tropical paradise lying partially between Los Angeles and Australia. The other four islands are Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine and, Moorea. Aside from these, there are three isles on Polynesia namely; Fakarava, Manihi and Rangiroa.
Flying to this region from the United States will take you about eight hours though they seem like they are planets away because of their beautiful beaches, blue water, and lush vegetation. There are surely many reasons why you will want to visit Tahiti, which is referred to as the queen of other Islands of Polynesia.
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Tahiti is an island lying in the South Pacific and has a reputation for its magnificent waterfalls, popular overwater houses, delicious seafood, and beautiful beaches. It is just a few kilometers from Moorea which has a reputation for shark sightings and stingrays. The best spot for honeymoon couples, Bora Bora is also just minutes away from these two.
In Tahiti, you are sure to relish the tropical climate as the sun shines for about 3,000 hours a year. This is one of the highest sunshine per year in the world but it does not stop the weather being cool in some moments.
The Pacific winds often blow over this region thereby cooling it all through the year. Similar to the lagoon waters, the ambient temperature averages at 78°F/25°C meanwhile, the temperature down south in the archipelagos (the Gambier Islands and the Austral Islands) is cooler.
The typical seasons you find in your immediate environment is different from that in Tahiti as you will find the temperatures climbing close to the high mid-80. The lows could be around 70 degrees throughout the year. This doesn’t stop the region from having rainfalls as other regions.
So, if you’re visiting the Island, any time of the year is ideal for tourism, although it depends on your choice and the kind of experience you’re after. However, you would want to visit Tahiti in the dry weather when you can have clear water for diving but at the same time, you might not want to arrive when there are large crowds.
With the location of Tahiti in the center of the Pacific Ocean and having countries like America, China, Australia and Brazil surrounding it, you are sure to find numerous visitors there during the holiday period. Hence, you might want to time your trip carefully so that you won’t have many headaches when you arive.
Best time to visit Tahiti: Weather considerations
Rainfall
In every month of the year at Tahiti, you could find similar weather temperature except when it is raining. The rainfall at Tahiti could not be a good idea for tourists though some activities in this period could be exciting too. However, you should endeavor to come along with an umbrella if this period is ideal for you.
Humidity
There is a tendency of the humidity being high throughout the year at Tahiti as January kicks off a moment of discomfort due to the weather. However, this ends in March but only with a little difference as all the months are similar.
Winds
At all times of the year, you are sure to find winds in the region especially in the afternoons when they are higher. For this reason, you get some coolness as the winds are really pleasant and cool.
You will find the bars and restaurants in the South Pacific normally at the exterior of their buildings or outdoors. They normally have shades of palm or fabric so that the people do not have complaints due to the humid weather.
When in such restaurants at noon, the wind blows calmly and you do not feel much of the humid weather. Additionally, the managers of the bungalows normally install their houses with air conditioners so that you could have a wonderful stay.
Best time to Visit Tahiti to enjoy good Weather
Almost year-round in Tahiti, the weather is mostly warm and the temperatures hardly drop lower than 70 degrees F especially during winter. In summer, the temperature climbs to about the mid-90s but due to the wind blowing throughout the whole island, you won’t experience the heat as in other parts of the world.
The storm in the rainy season lasts for about half an hour and you will green and lush vegetation everywhere. Flowers also blossom and fill the air with their lovely fragrance and the water is warm; perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.
From May to October, their region is dry and it is a great time to fly in too. The weather is at about 68 degrees F in the early morning and 82 degrees in the daytime. In November, the rain starts till April and you will find the weather at temperatures ranging between 72 and 86 degrees.
Most activities at Tahiti begin from November till March and you can catch a view of the picturesque equinox that appears in late March. It is a period when beautiful sky colors from the moon and sun reflect in the water.
Tahiti’s Tourist Seasons
There is no actual season in Tahiti you can refer to as rainy season as you will see in several tropical spots. In May, the dry season begins to end in October, and in July and August, you are sure to find the weather. The summer season at Tahiti which is also known as the humid period lasts from November to April and the dry season is a period when tourism is at its highest.
Hence, if you wish to relish good weather and abundant availability of rooms, then you should come in, May, June, September, and October.
- High Season (July, August, and mid-December to mid-January): In this period, Europe is on holiday. It is a time when nearly half the French take vacations and you are sure to have high hotel rates.
July and August are the busiest months in French Polynesia because the kids on the island are on holiday. The Heiva Nui festival also takes place in July and you will find tons of tourists in the region. Traditionally, the French take their vacation in August and they land in mass at the island in this season.
Some popular days fall in this period like; Bastille Day, Christmas, Pentecost Monday, Missionary Day, Good Friday, Labor Day, Easter Monday, and Ascension Thursday. On these days, you wouldn’t be surprised to find government offices and shops closing just to honor these days.
So if you are traveling then, be sure to book in advance so that you do not fall into the long waiting or flight cancellation group.
- Shoulder Season (May, June, September, and October): This is the duration from the beginning of the dry season to its end. The peak holiday is not in this period and you will find the weather very comforting and clear. You can also easily go around and join in the several festivals that begin in May.
- Low Season (November to mid-December, and mid-January to April): In this period, the rain comes frequently and you will find the humidity very nasty. There are also possible hurricanes and the hotels’ rates are inexpensive. You can easily get a flight although the weather and passenger count could cause regular flight cancellations.
Best Time to visit Tahiti for Sightseeing
When making plans for a vacation in Tahiti, there are two very important factors you ought to consider. The first should be your expenditure which you could experience at a high rate in July and August. The Christmas/New Year period which lasts from mid-December to mid-January is also a time you would get higher rates.
The weather is the second factor and the wet season isn’t a good time to travel. It lasts from November to April and there is frequent rainfall, humidity at its top and possible tornadoes too.
Best Time for Diving, Scuba diving & Snorkeling
The driest months of the year at Tahiti are April and October when you find the waters clear and calm. This is a great time to have underwater activities due to the warmth of the ocean. When coming, you are also sure of getting the rooms at lower rates and have good weather.
Best Time for Outdoor Activities
Having outdoor activities could be frustrating sometimes at Tahiti as in the wet season, there are heavy rain downpours and when there is no rain, you find humidity very discomforting. However, you could relish the dry season from June to September for activities like surfing and hiking.
You should also note that there is a considerable amount in the mountains all year round while July and August have sufficient wind. So, you might need your jacket or coat when going to the region in these periods.
Best time to visit Tahiti for off-season deals: November to May
If you arrive at Tahiti in November, you can find the rooms at quite cheaper rates. This hotel deals last till sometime in May, though you might meet some traffic in December. This period is more humid but you have your fresh sea breezes close enough to cool you off. This period is not usually sufficient for tourists who wish to have adequate sunbaths as the region is mostly covered by clouds that look beautiful at sunset.
Best time to Visit Tahiti For events
Most of the popular events of Tahiti are scheduled during their peak tourist season and one such mega-events is Heiva which is commonly held in June/July. Also, there is the Billabong Pro in August and the International Golf Championship in September.
Even though June, July, and August are frequently taken as the best time to visit Tahiti, it’s essential you also know that this is an equal period with the largest crowds on the island characterized by an inflow of tourists and holidaymakers.
Because Tahiti has good weather all through the year, you can decide to plan your visit during the off-season to benefit from a bit reduced price of hotels and resorts. This season is equally quieter and with the reduced crowds.
All-year-round events in the Island attract visitors and tourists with interests in flowers, ukuleles, boat races, and festive costumes. For instance, if you are after grand events and festivals, you can visit Tahiti in July to be part of the celebration of the month-long Heiva holiday and French Bastille Day celebrations, with fresh local cuisine, dance competitions, crafts, sporting events and live music.
The great Billabong pro surfing competition normally occurs at the end of August. Chinese New Year is also celebrated with parades and festivals.
January Events
- New Year’s Day
- Tere ‘A’ati (This takes place during the first or second week of January)
- Tere Fa’ati (Events occur during the last Saturday of January).
- Chinese New Year (January/February)
February events
- Flower and Handicraft Festival (1st to 14th)
- Pacific International Documentary Film Festival (occur in early February)
- Tahiti Guitar Festival (Occur in late February)
March events
- Missionaries Day (5th March).
- International Women’s Day (8th March)
- La Tahitienne (10th March)
- Festival of ‘Uru (15th to 17th of March)
- Papara Pro Surf Festival (middle of March).
- Tahiti-Moorea International Marathon (late March).
- Easter (Between March/April)
April events
- Paddle Festival (7th April) – paddleboard races which are part of an international circuit.
- Jazz Festival (middle of April) A festival that draws lovers of Jaz music and showcases both local and international acts.
May events
- Labour Day (1st May).
- Tahiti Pearl Regatta (7th to 13th May) –The biggest sailing race in the Pacific.
- Victory Day (8th May) – public holiday celebrating the end of WWII in Europe.
- Ascension Day
- Whit Monday or the Pentecost (May or June)
- Ta’iri Paumotu (middle of May)
- La Ronde Tahitienne (late May)
- Tahiti International Golf Open (late May)
- Pareau Day (25th May)
- Mother’s Day Fair (late May).
- Flower Show (late May to the middle of June)
June events
- Orange Festival-late June
- Heiva Dances
- Heiva Rima’i (starting from the middle of June and lasts for three/four weeks)
- Miss Tahiti (22nd June) – A celebration of the beauty of Tahitian women.
- Hivavaeve (29th June) – Equally referred to as Internal Autonomy Day celebrated with Parades and concerts in all towns. The celebration is especially flamboyant in Pape’ete.
July events
- Heiva I Tahiti
- Marae Arahurahu Re-enactment
- Tahiti Traditional Sports Championship (middle of July)
- Bastille Day (14th July)
August events
- Rautirare Festival (first weekend in August)
- Assumption (15th)
- Super Aito Vaa (middle of August)
September events
- Ra’iatea Gliss Festival (early September)
- Ukulele Festival (middle of September)
- Salon des Australes (alterable dates).
- Tahiti Nui Tour (middle of September)
- Farereihaga (middle of September) tourism festival at Rangiroa
October events
- Stone-Throwing Competitions (Beginning of October)
- International Graffiti Art Festival Ono’u (Beginning of October)
- Vaipahi Run (late October)
- Reva I Eimeo Nui (last Saturday in October)
November events
- All Saints Day (1st Week of October)
- Armistice Day (11th October)
- Lychee Run-early November– a challenging cross-country race
- Hawaiki Nui Canoe Races
- French Polynesia Book Fair –middle of-November.
- Matari’i Ni’a -late November
December events
- Pineapple Festival – a celebration with craft stalls and displays of local foods with a highlight of Giant Pineapple Cake.
- Tuamotu Inter-Island Games (alterable, middle of December)
- Christmas Day (25th December)
- Boxing Day (26th December)
- New Year’s Eve (31st December)
Best time to visit Tahiti to enjoy the beach
Tahiti’s dry season runs through May to October with average daytime temperatures of roughly 25 degrees Celsius. The afternoon and evenings are normally cooler. Planning your visit to Tahiti around this time despite the warm temperature and the high humidity will make you enjoy the cooler crystal clear waters around the Islands.
Besides, the crowds have dwindled and you’ll not have to queue up to engage in some of the activities on the Island like diving, surfing, boating, exploration of dolphins and fishing in the deep sea. The temperature of the lagoons that cover nearly every part of the islands is equally attractive with the range of roughly 23 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius.
Sometimes, you’ll equally appreciate swimming during the rainy season. It could serve as a relief from the heat and high humidity. However, if you plan to swim at this time, be cautious of swimming under any bad weather especially lightning. Remember to always make your sunscreen a companion.
Best Time to visit Tahiti for Saving Money
If you’re are planning to visit Tahiti for your vacation during the bargain season, stay away from the peak seasons which falls around July, August, and during the Christmas/New Year period when there are a lot of crowds in the islands.
These times are characterized by high hotel rates and airfares are occasionally fully booked. The best thing you can do if you’re traveling at this time is to plan. The local school holidays in October are equally a busy and costlier time to visit especially due to inter-island flights.
November-December-January
November through January in Tahiti is characterized by fewer crowds because this period falls within the wet season. If you don’t mind the rain and humidity, these months are great for saving money because airfares cost considerably lower. You can get up to a 50 percent discount compared to the price you pay during the peak season. prices. A lot of hotels, also, are comparatively cheaper per night during the wet season.
It is easier to book for your trip within this time than any other time of the year. You’ll always get a place to stay even when you make a last-minute booking unlike when you book during the peak seasons.
February-March-April
Starting from February-March-April, the prices start to gradually go up as the peak season approaches. However, even this time, prices are still many hundred dollars lower than what you pay if you visit during the peak of the dry season. The cost of hotels and accommodations equally increases roughly twenty-five percent from January to April.
You can still make your flight and hotel bookings fairly easy at this time as rooms and air tickets are not sold out yet.
May-June-July
May through July comes with lovely weather and as you’d expect, high prices. By mid-July, the costs of things are at their peak. Even when you make your bookings well in advance, hotel rates, airfares, and other things will cost far more than what you get at other times of the year.
If you need to visit the Tahiti islands within this time, be on the lookout for flash sales and make your bookings when the prices are very low. It could be within the middle of the week, during the month-end, or near to the shoulder months.
Not only does peak season guarantee big prices, but it also guarantees big crowds. Tahiti sees some of its highest numbers of tourists on the islands during these months, especially because it is officially summer vacation time for much of the world. Accommodations will fill up rapidly as the season approaches, so book well in advance.
August-September-October
The cost of visiting and staying in Tahiti will still be on the high side within these months because they are still closer to the peak travel season on the Island. To get the cheapest rate, plan your visit far away from the peak season.
Consider traveling around the middle of September and later, when the crowd is less and schools have resumed and many parents have gone back to their works. The price s at this time can be significantly lower but for you to be certain, you should constantly check the flights and hotel prices to know when the rates are down.
So. the later you book into September and October, the cheaper and easier it will become. However, no matter what time you book in the dry season, booking is not easy but it mostly depends on what you’re booking and where.
You may find out that most rooms in some hotels are completely even in October. The airfares may not also fall as much as you’d want them to. Keep an eye on the prices of airfares and accommodations and be the first to catch up on the opportunity.
FAQ’s About Tahiti
Tahiti’s humid season falls around November to April. While the Island may occasionally experience heavy storms, they are not Hurricanes. There is rarely a history of Hurricanes in Tahiti or anywhere in the South Pacific.
The wet season, also known as the humid season begins in November and culminates in March. And with it, the weather is a bit muggy, characterized by high humidity and the Island frequently experiences heavy downpours. You may equally experience tropic downpours at these times.
Tahiti is a popular posh honey destination regarded as a Jewel in the crown of French Polynesia. Tahiti is one of the luxurious tropical islands written in kiddies’ adventure novels, a Mutiny on the Bounty-style Eden of coconuts, pearls, and bikinis. Tahiti is located in the Windward group of Island Society.
Tahiti is a safe place for tourists. Generally speaking, there are only a couple of dangers to watch out for: pickpockets in Pape’ete and moray eels in the coral reefs on scuba dives. Most visitors soon discover that Tahiti is warm and welcoming to foreigners.
Best Time to Visit Tahiti – Conclusion
There’s no bad time and no one good time to visit Tahiti. The Island features balmy weather throughout the year. No matter when you choose to visit the Island, you have some amazing sights, aromas, and experiences in your favor. The best time to visit the Island is potentially in the winter with lower humidity and more tolerable temperature.
To experience the best Tahiti temperature, plan your trip from May to October but make your reservations way in advance. If you’re visiting to experience Tahiti’s events and cultural festival, July is your best time to visit. The best time to visit Tahiti for surfing is between August and September when there are tournaments.
Skip November to March if you don’t want to deal with a potential hurricane or weather-related issues which could lead to cancelation of flights. And if you want to visit during the quietest time with the least crowd, plan your visit in September or November.
Overall, the best time to visit Tahiti for pleasant weather, affordable rates, and fewer crowds is during the shoulder season which falls around May or November.
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