Papeete Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation
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 (74 in) of precipitation annually. However, this abundant rainfall is not evenly distributed, with a distinct rainy season during certain months. You can clearly see this in our monthly precipitation graphs below.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))
The climate in Papeete shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect 290 mm (11 in) of precipitation during the wettest month December, distributed over 11 rainy days.
In contrast, August offers drier and sunnier days, with around 67 mm (2.6 in) of rainfall over 13 rainy days.
December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 28°C (82°F). The city receives 197 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 26°C (79°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Papeete Temperature page.
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in June
Explore Papeete's Historical Precipitation: 1976-2026
Browse day-by-day precipitation records for Papeete spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual rainfall and snowfall recorded on each day.
Annual Rainfall in French Polynesia: City Comparison
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.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Papeete vs World: Rainfall Compared
Papeete's average annual precipitation is 1881 mm (74 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
In Toronto, Canada, annual precipitation averages 964 mm (38 in), with snowy winters and rainy summers.
In Shanghai, China, the annual average precipitation is 1347 mm (53 in), with a humid subtropical climate.
Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm (27 in) of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm (100 in) of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.
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.
Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
- Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
- "Ginger" was the longest-lasting Atlantic tropical storm, which spun around the open ocean for 28 days in 1971.
- The world's largest snowflake was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, at 38 cm (15 inches) wide and 20 cm (7.9 inches) thick. The snowflake fell at Fort Keogh, Montana, USA, on 28 January 1887.
- The greatest snowfall recorded was on Mt. Rainier, Washington State, USA—over 31.5 meters (103 feet) fell during the winter of 1972.
For more detailed information about Papeete's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Papeete Climate page.
