Weather in Papeete

Planning a trip to Papeete or just want to check the current forecast? Below you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful charts to help plan your day.

Papeete, the charming capital of French Polynesia, boasts a classic tropical climate. This means warm weather reigns here all year round, with minimal fluctuations in the average monthly temperature. It stays within a comfortable range of 23.3°C to 25.6°C, so you won't have to prepare for sudden cold snaps or exhausting heat.

Although there are no clearly defined seasons with sharp temperature fluctuations in Papeete, two main periods differing in rainfall patterns can be distinguished. From November to April comes the wetter season, when the number of rainy days reaches its peak – for example, in January there can be up to 27. However, it is important to note that the total amount of precipitation remains relatively small (about 8-10 mm in the wettest months), indicating frequent but usually light and short-lived rains. The period from May to October is considered "drier": the number of rainy days decreases, especially in August and September (about 14-17 days), and precipitation volumes are minimal, amounting to just 3-5 mm.

Overall, the weather in Papeete is characterized by constant warmth and high humidity, driven by frequent but often light rainfall. This creates a typical tropical paradise atmosphere, where even during periods with many "wet" days, the sun does not stay hidden for long. Tourists should expect comfortable warm weather at any time of the year, but be prepared for possible short showers that refresh the air and add lushness to the local vegetation.

In Papeete, an amazingly steady and warm temperature regime awaits you throughout the year. The average monthly temperature here fluctuates within a very narrow range — from 23.3°C in the coolest months (August-September) to 25.6°C in the warmest (March). This means there are practically no sharp seasonal changes, and you can count on consistently warm weather, ideal for a holiday.

The warmest period in Papeete usually lasts from December to April, with the peak heat occurring in March. During these months, the average temperature is around 25.0-25.6°C. During the day, the air warms up to a pleasant 26.0-26.6°C, and nights remain very mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24.1-24.6°C. Such weather creates the feeling of a constant tropical summer, often accompanied by the high humidity characteristic of the French Polynesian climate.

Even in the nominally "cool" months, from June to October (with minimum values in August and September), Papeete maintains a very comfortable temperature. Average figures during this period stay at the level of 23.3-24.2°C. Daily highs reach 24.1-25.0°C, and nightly lows rarely fall below 22.5-23.4°C. A characteristic feature of Papeete's climate is insignificant diurnal temperature fluctuations: the difference between day and night readings is usually only 1.5-2°C, ensuring pleasant warmth around the clock.

Papeete observes a rather specific precipitation pattern that is important to consider when planning a trip. Although the city is located in a tropical climate, there is no pronounced season of torrential rains followed by absolute drought. Instead, precipitation is distributed throughout the year, but its intensity and frequency change.

The period from November to April can be characterized as wetter. The highest amount of precipitation falls in January (10 mm), February, and December (9 mm each). At the same time, January also leads in the number of rainy days — a whole 27. It is followed by April and December with 25 rainy days. It is important to note that even in the "wettest" months, the total amount of precipitation remains small, indicating frequent but usually light and short-lived rains or drizzle, rather than heavy downpours.

The "drier" season in Papeete falls on the months from May to October. During this period, the amount of precipitation decreases noticeably. The driest months by volume of precipitation are May, August, and September, when only 3 mm falls. August also stands out with the fewest rainy days – only 14. However, even in these "dry" months, rains are not a rarity; they simply become even lighter and less frequent compared to the wet season.

Thus, when heading to Papeete, it is worth being prepared for the fact that a little rain may fall on any day of the year. However, this precipitation is rarely heavy or prolonged and usually does not interfere with enjoying your holiday, but rather brings refreshing coolness to the warm tropical climate.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Papeete, focus on the year-round tropical warmth. The average air temperature here fluctuates in a comfortable range from 23°C to 26°C, so the main emphasis should be on light, breathable clothing. Items made of cotton, linen, or other natural fabrics are ideal: shorts, T-shirts, summer dresses, sundresses, and, of course, swimwear. Don't forget reliable sun protection – high SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and headwear (for example, a wide-brimmed hat or a panama hat) are mandatory for a comfortable stay under the tropical sun. For walking around the city and excursions, choose comfortable footwear: sandals, light moccasins, or breathable trainers.

Despite the fact that Papeete does not experience strong temperature fluctuations between seasons, there are nuances related to precipitation. Rains happen here frequently throughout the year, but as a rule, they are short-lived and not very heavy. Therefore, a compact folding umbrella or a light raincoat is worth putting in your luggage regardless of the month of travel. In the period from November to April, the number of rainy days is somewhat higher (up to 27 in January), so readiness for light rain will be especially relevant. From May to October, there are fewer rainy days (about 14-20), but the probability of a refreshing tropical shower still remains. The principle of layering in clothing is not as critical here due to the stable warmth, but a light cardigan or stole may come in handy on a cool evening or in air-conditioned rooms.

Besides the main wardrobe, think about practical little things. Insect repellent can be useful, especially if you plan walks in natural spots or evening gatherings outdoors. A reusable water bottle will help maintain water balance in the warm and humid climate conditions. A small waterproof case for a phone or documents may also come in handy in case of sudden rain or during sea trips.