Weather in Raiatea

To ensure your journey is perfect, familiarise yourself with the current weather situation on the island of Raiatea. Below you will find an accurate forecast and useful charts to help you plan your holiday wisely.

The climate on the island of Raiatea can be described as classic tropical, with high humidity and warmth throughout the year. The concept of changing seasons in the usual sense is practically non-existent here: the average air temperature remains stable in a comfortable range from +25°C to +27°C. Thanks to this, travellers can enjoy relaxing by the sea and water activities regardless of the month of their visit.

Despite the temperature stability, the year is conditionally divided into wet and relatively dry seasons. The period from November to April is considered rainier: during this time, the number of days with precipitation can reach 27 per month. From May to October, it rains less frequently, reaching a minimum in August, when the lowest number of inclement days is recorded. However, even in the "dry" season, tropical showers are not uncommon, although they are often short-lived.

For tourists planning a trip to French Polynesia, it is important to know that the weather here is characterised by constancy but requires readiness for changes. High cloud cover and frequent precipitation are compensated by mild warmth and the absence of exhausting heat. Raiatea is a place of eternal summer, where even in the rainiest month, one can find hours for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.

The climate on the island of Raiatea is distinguished by enviable consistency, offering travellers comfortable warmth at any time of the year. The hottest period here falls at the beginning of the calendar year: in March, the average temperature reaches its peak of about +27°C, and daytime maximums often exceed +28°C. This time, corresponding to summer in the Southern Hemisphere, is characterised by stable heat, ideally suited for beach holidays and water activities.

The conditional "winter", which lasts approximately from June to October, brings only a slight change in the temperature regime. The coolest months are considered August and September, when average indicators drop to a comfortable +25°C. During this period, the heat subsides, and it becomes a little fresher, but the concept of cold is completely absent here. Even in this season, French Polynesia remains a wonderful place for a holiday, as the difference between the warmest and coldest months of the year is less than two degrees.

A characteristic feature of the weather on Raiatea is the surprisingly small amplitude of daily temperatures. The difference between daytime maximums and nighttime minimums is often only 1–2 degrees. This means that even after sunset, the air remains as warm as during the day, rarely cooling below +24°C. You will hardly need warm clothes for evening walks, as the mild tropical climate envelops the island around the clock.

When planning a trip to the island of Raiatea, it is worth considering the features of the local tropical climate. Precipitation here is a fairly frequent occurrence throughout the year, but as a rule, it does not cause serious inconvenience to tourists. Often, rains are short-lived, quickly giving way to bright sunshine.

The highest frequency of precipitation is observed during the summer period for the Southern Hemisphere. From December to March, the number of rainy days reaches a maximum: in January and December, there can be up to 27 per month. However, judging by the total volume of precipitation (about 10 mm), this is most often a light drizzle or short refreshing showers, rather than prolonged tropical storms.

The conditionally "dry" season falls on the period from June to September. The most favourable month is considered to be August, when the number of days with precipitation decreases to 16. This is the best time for those who want to minimise the likelihood of rain during walks and beach relaxation.

Regardless of the chosen month, it is recommended to always have a light raincoat with you. The weather in French Polynesia is changeable, and even on cloudy days, it is warm and comfortable here.

A trip to Raiatea promises a meeting with eternal summer, so the basis of your luggage should consist of light items made from natural fabrics. Considering that the average air temperature holds steadily at a comfortable mark of +25...+27°C all year round, give preference to t-shirts, shorts, and loose-fitting dresses made of cotton or linen. Since humidity can be high, loose-fitting clothing will ensure the best ventilation and comfort in the tropical climate.

Despite the fact that the total volume of precipitation is small, statistics show a large number of rainy days in every month — from 16 to 27 days. This means that a drizzle or a short shower is possible at almost any moment, so a compact umbrella or a weightless raincoat will become indispensable companions. Sun protection is no less important: be sure to put a cream with high SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat in your suitcase, as the tropical sun is active even through the clouds.

For exploring the island and visiting sacred sites, you will need comfortable walking shoes — sandals with secure fastening or light trainers. For beach relaxation, special coral slippers (aqua shoes) are strongly recommended, protecting feet from sharp corals and marine life when entering the water. Evenings on the island are warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below +24°C, but for sea trips on a boat, it is worth taking a light windbreaker or a long-sleeved top to feel cosy in the wind.