Weather in Manihi

Find out what weather awaits you on the Manihi atoll right now. Below you will find up-to-date summaries, forecasts, and useful climate charts to help plan your holiday.

The climate of the picturesque Manihi atoll can be described as classic tropical, with warm and comfortable weather throughout the year. Thanks to its location in French Polynesia, there are no sharp temperature drops or distinct cold spells. The sun generously warms the lagoon and islands all year round, whilst ocean breezes bring a pleasant freshness, preventing the heat from becoming exhausting.

The temperature on the island is remarkably stable. Average air temperatures fluctuate within a very narrow range from +25°C to +27°C. The warmest months are usually March and April, while the period from August to September is considered technically "cool", although for holidaymakers, this difference is practically imperceptible. Such consistent weather makes the atoll a wonderful destination for travel regardless of the season.

Rainfall on Manihi is a fairly common occurrence, but it has its own distinct features. The year can be roughly divided into a wetter period (from November to April) and a drier season (from May to October). Although the number of rainy days can be high, the rains here are often short-lived, quickly giving way to bright sunshine. Even in the wettest months, such as January, the weather allows you to enjoy your holiday and the surrounding nature.

The climate of the Manihi atoll is distinguished by amazing stability, offering tourists mild tropical warmth all year round. Sharp seasonal contrasts are practically absent here. The highest temperatures are recorded in the first months of the year: in March and April, the air warms up to an average of +27.3 °C, with daytime maximums reaching +28 °C. This time is considered the hottest period, although thanks to the surrounding ocean, the heat is tolerated quite easily.

The period from June to October brings only a slight decrease in temperature. Even in the "coolest" month — September — the thermometer confidently holds at an average mark of around +25.7 °C. Such weather is ideal for a beach holiday and water activities in French Polynesia, eliminating the risk of getting too cold or feeling discomfort from excessive heat.

An important feature of the weather regime on the island is the minimal amplitude of daily fluctuations. The difference between day and night temperatures here is extremely small, often amounting to less than two degrees. For example, in January, night-time figures (about +26 °C) are practically indistinguishable from daytime ones (+27.6 °C), which creates an effect of "eternal summer" 24 hours a day and allows you to enjoy warm evenings without the need for warm clothing.

The nature of precipitation on the Manihi atoll is typical for tropical latitudes: it rains here all year round, however, the frequency changes depending on the season. There is no snow in this warm region, so the only form of precipitation is rain, which often comes in the form of short but refreshing showers.

The wettest period lasts from November to April. The rainiest month statistically is January, when up to 25 days with precipitation are recorded. At this time, tourists should be prepared for frequent changes in the weather, although tropical rains are rarely prolonged.

The relatively dry season begins in May and continues until October. The number of rainy days during this period decreases noticeably, reaching a minimum in July (about 15 days with precipitation). Even in these months, rains are possible, but they usually pass quickly and do not interfere with enjoying a holiday in French Polynesia.

When preparing for a trip to the scenic Manihi atoll, prioritize maximum comfort and lightness. Since the air temperature here is surprisingly stable and holds at an average of about 26–27°C throughout the year, the foundation of your wardrobe should be items made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Shorts, loose T-shirts, beach dresses, and sundresses will be the ideal clothing for relaxation. Be sure to take several sets of swimwear, as water activities will be the main part of your leisure time.

Although heavy downpours here are not always long, the number of days with precipitation can be significant, especially in the period from January to February. Therefore, it is worth packing a light raincoat or a waterproof poncho in your suitcase, which will protect you from sudden splashes but will not take up much space. Equally important is protection from the active tropical sun: cream with a high SPF level, high-quality sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory attributes for preserving the health of your skin.

Regarding footwear, give preference to sandals or flip-flops for walking around the hotel grounds. However, for swimming and exploring the underwater world, it is strongly recommended to have special aqua shoes (coral slippers) to protect your feet from sharp corals and marine life. Although the nights here are warm, a light windbreaker or a long-sleeved shirt may be useful for evening walks along the ocean when a refreshing breeze picks up.