French Polynesia

French Polynesia Weather in January

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in French Polynesia in January.

Thinking about venturing to French Polynesia this January and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in French Polynesia in January

January in French Polynesia generally has warm temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from moderate to heavy.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are warm and range from 25°C (77°F) in Rapa to 29°C (84°F) in Tikehau. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 26°C (79°F) in Tikehau and 23°C (73°F) in Rapa.

For specific regional insights in French Polynesia, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In January, precipitation varies across different areas. From moderate rainfall in Atuona with an average of 82 mm (3.2 in) to heavy rainfall in Vaitape with 275 mm (11 in).

Average sunshine

Plenty of sunshine can be expected in numerous places in January. Punaauia typically receives 216 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore French Polynesia by month

Best Places to Visit in French Polynesia in January

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across French Polynesia.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in French Polynesia

What is the weather like in January for some of the most popular destinations in French Polynesia?

Temperature range in French Polynesia (January)

Precipitation variation in French Polynesia (January)

Punaauia

In January Punaauia generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
197 hours
216 hours
199 hours
Monthly rainfall
278 mm (11 in)
248 mm (9.8 in)
251 mm (9.9 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
11 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Papeete

In January Papeete generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
28°C (82°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
197 hours
216 hours
199 hours
Monthly rainfall
290 mm (11 in)
259 mm (10 in)
263 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
11 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Fare

In January Fare generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly rainfall
283 mm (11 in)
267 mm (11 in)
264 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
12 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Papetoai

In January Papetoai generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly sun hours
197 hours
216 hours
199 hours
Monthly rainfall
268 mm (11 in)
242 mm (9.5 in)
248 mm (9.8 in)
Monthly rainy days
11 days
11 days
10 days
Weather conditions

Bora Bora

In January Bora Bora generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

December
January
February
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
26°C (79°F)
Monthly sun hours
208 hours
203 hours
203 hours
Monthly rainfall
285 mm (11 in)
275 mm (11 in)
264 mm (10 in)
Monthly rainy days
12 days
12 days
11 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in French Polynesia.

Popular cities in January

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in French Polynesia in January.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Punaauia 28°C (82°F) 25°C (77°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Papeete 28°C (82°F) 25°C (77°F) 259 mm (10 in)
Fare 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 267 mm (11 in)
Papetoai 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 242 mm (9.5 in)
Tikehau 29°C (84°F) 26°C (79°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Arue 28°C (82°F) 25°C (77°F) 266 mm (10 in)

French Polynesia weather in January: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in French Polynesia in January?

January in French Polynesia brings unpleasant weather. In Punaauia, daytime temperatures are typically around 28°C (82°F) and nighttime lows hover near 25°C (77°F).

What is the average temperature in French Polynesia in January?

Punaauia averages a daytime maximum of 28°C (82°F) in January, with overnight lows close to 25°C (77°F).

Does French Polynesia get a lot of rain in January?

Rainfall in French Polynesia peaks during January. Punaauia averages roughly 248 mm (9.8 in), so frequent and sometimes heavy showers are the norm.

Is January a Good Time to Visit French Polynesia?

Given the typically unpleasant weather conditions in Punaauia, January may not be the ideal time to visit French Polynesia.

Generally speaking, June, July, August and September provide perfect weather in Punaauia. In contrast, December tends to have poor weather conditions.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in French Polynesia.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to French Polynesia? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in French Polynesia.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

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