Weather in Makemo

Get the latest information on weather conditions in Makemo before your trip. Below are detailed forecasts and charts to help you better plan your holiday.

The climate in Makemo can be characterised as tropical and surprisingly stable, making this atoll an attractive destination for travellers all year round. French Polynesia in this part of the ocean offers tourists comfortable warmth without extreme temperature fluctuations. Regardless of the month, the air here warms up to an average of +25°C to +27°C, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday and exploring the lagoon.

Seasonality is weakly expressed, although two conditional periods can be distinguished. From November to April, the weather becomes slightly warmer and more humid, with a greater number of cloudy days. The second period, from May to October, is considered the "cooler" season, when the temperature drops to a comfortable +25°C, and the number of days with precipitation decreases noticeably, especially in August and May.

An interesting feature of the weather on the atoll is the character of the rainfall: although the number of rainy days may seem significant, the total volume of moisture is low. This indicates that rains here are typically light, short-lived, and refreshing, quickly giving way to the tropical sun. Thanks to such a consistent climate, you can plan a trip here for almost any date without fearing prolonged cold spells or unbearable heat.

The climate in Makemo is distinguished by enviable consistency and comfortable warmth throughout the year. Since the atoll is located in the tropical zone of the Southern Hemisphere, the highest temperature readings are recorded here in the first months of the year and early spring. The period from January to April can be called the warmest: at this time, the air warms up on average to +27°C, and March maximums reach +27.8°C.

The conditional "winter," which lasts from June to September, brings only a slight and very pleasant drop in temperature. The coolest months are August and September, when average values are around +25°C. The weather during this season remains mild and warm, without sharp cooling, as even minimum temperatures rarely fall below +24.4°C, making a stay on the island comfortable all year round.

A characteristic feature of Makemo's temperature regime is its amazing stability: daily fluctuations here are minimal. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is often less than two degrees, creating a steady thermal background. In fact, throughout the year, the air temperature varies smoothly within a narrow range from +25°C to +28°C, excluding both intense heat and chill.

The climate on the Makemo atoll is typical for the tropical latitudes of French Polynesia: it is warm year-round, and precipitation falls exclusively as rain. A characteristic feature of the local weather is the high frequency of rainfall with a relatively small total volume. This means that rain is a frequent occurrence here, but it is usually short-lived, has the character of light showers, and rarely lasts all day.

The conditional wet season falls on the period from December to March. January is the record holder for the frequency of precipitation — rain can be observed during 27 days of the month. December and February are also characterised by increased humidity, bringing the largest amount of precipitation in millimetres. During this period, tourists should be prepared for variable cloudiness and frequent tropical showers.

A drier and more stable period lasts from May to September. August can be called the most favourable month from a statistical point of view, when the number of rainy days decreases to 13, and the volume of fallen moisture is minimal. May and September also delight travellers with more stable weather, making this time of year an excellent choice for a beach holiday.

When packing for Makemo, opt for light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Given that the average air temperature here holds steady around 25–27°C year-round, the foundation of your wardrobe should consist of shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, and, of course, swimwear. Do not forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-quality sunglasses, as the equatorial sun can be very active even on cloudy days.

Since rain in French Polynesia is a frequent occurrence (especially from November to April, when the number of rainy days can reach 27 per month), be sure to bring a compact umbrella or a light raincoat. Precipitation here is often short-lived, but protection from moisture will be useful. For comfortable entry into the water and walking along the coast, we strongly recommend taking special rubber footwear (aqua shoes) to protect your feet from sharp corals.

Evenings on the atoll can be refreshing due to the ocean breeze, so pack one light long-sleeved top, a hoodie, or a windbreaker in your suitcase. Also, be sure to bring water-resistant sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 50+) and repellents, which will be useful for protection against insects in the evening or during windless weather.