Papeete Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Papeete.

Climate overview of Papeete

With consistently stable weather, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, sees little seasonal temperature change. Daytime highs average 27°C (81°F), ranging from 29°C (84°F) in March to 26°C (79°F) in August.

The city has a wet climate, receiving around 1881 mm (74 in) of rainfall per year. Despite the high annual total, it has a distinct rainy season from December to March. December is the wettest month. The sunniest month is August, with 8.4 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Papeete Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Papeete — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Papeete

The climate in Papeete remains fairly constant, offering comfortable temperatures throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in March to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) in August.

Nighttime temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in March to 24°C (75°F) in August.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Papeete

Papeete is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1881 mm (74 in). The seasons in Papeete bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 290 mm (11 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 11 rainy days.

In contrast, the driest month, August, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 67 mm (2.6 in) over 13 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Papeete Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Papeete

Papeete enjoys sunny spells year-round. August sees up to 8.4 hours of daily sunshine, perfect for a sunny trip. December, the least sunny month, still offers a generous 6.6 hours of sun despite this cloudier time of the year.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Data from: Tahiti, French Polynesia (6 KM, 3 Miles).

Daily hours of sunshine

Data from: Tahiti, French Polynesia (6 KM, 3 Miles).

Water Temperature in Papeete

The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 25°C (77°F) in August to 28°C (82°F) in January.

Water temperature over the year

Data from: Tahiti, French Polynesia (6 KM, 3 Miles).

Humidity in Papeete by Month

Best Time to Visit Papeete

In general, temperatures in Papeete range from 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (84°F) across the year, with July, August and September being the best time to visit for those who prefer drier weather.

Make your experience more enjoyable by planning to be outside during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or as the sun begins to set. Visitors should note that January, February, March and December are part of the rainy season, bringing substantial rainfall.

Need help choosing your next travel destination? We offer a specialized tool that matches you with locations based on your weather preferences. Explore destinations that suit your climate preferences.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Papeete

What is the best time to visit Papeete?

June, July, August and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Papeete. In contrast, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Papeete has a distinct rainy season from December to March.

What temperatures can I expect in Papeete?

Daytime highs range from 26°C (79°F) in August to 29°C (84°F) in March. Nighttime lows range from 24°C (75°F) to 26°C (79°F). Temperatures stay relatively stable year-round.

How much rain does Papeete get?

Annual rainfall is around 1881 mm (74 in). December is the wettest month with 290 mm (11 in), while August is the driest with 67 mm (2.6 in).

How sunny is Papeete?

Papeete receives around 2,686 hours of sunshine per year. August is the sunniest month with 251 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 197 hours. Overall, Papeete enjoys abundant sunshine.

Papeete 3-Day Forecast

Papeete 3-Day Forecast

Papeete on the map

Papeete is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.

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