Papeete Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.

Papeete experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 1881 mm of precipitation annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The climate in Papeete shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 290 mm of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 11 rainy days.

In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 67 mm of rainfall over 13 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C. The city receives 197 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Papeete Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in French Polynesia

The map below shows the annual precipitation across French Polynesia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Papeete’s average annual precipitation is 1881 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages [964 mm], with snowy winters and rainy summers.

In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm, with a humid subtropical climate.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Interesting weather facts

• The U.S. has a significant number of thunderstorms every year, with over 14.6 million taking place across the world annually.
• Approximately 70% of lightning bolts strike land rather than oceans.
• A storm named John was the longest-lasting Pacific tropical storm, continuing for 31 days. As it crossed the dateline twice, it changed status from a hurricane to a typhoon and back to a hurricane.

For more detailed information about Papeete’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Papeete Climate page.