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Papeete Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Papeete.
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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
The average number of days each month with precipitation
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
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Papeete.
The city experiences its highest humidity in June, reaching 79%. In September, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 76%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Data from: Tahiti, French Polynesia (6 KM, 3 Miles).
Best Time to Visit Papeete
For comfortable weather, consider visiting Papeete in June, July, August and September. Conditions are usually least favourable in February and December.
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
Jan
mixed
Feb
very wet
Mar
good
Apr
very good
May
very good
Jun
excellent
Jul
excellent
Aug
excellent
Sep
excellent
Oct
very good
Nov
very good
Dec
very wet
- Best overall: June, July, August and September
- Warmest weather: January, February, March, April, May, June, November and December
- Most sunshine: August and September
- Fewest rainy days: April, May, June and October
- Best for swimming: Any time of year. The sea stays pleasantly warm year-round.
- Wettest months: January, February, March, April and December, when rainfall is highest.
- Seasonal pattern: A distinct rainy season from December to March
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 on the map
Papeete is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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