Last updated: April 14, 2025
The climate of French Polynesia is characterized by a tropical maritime environment, marked by distinct temperature variations, ranging from a cooler 17°C (62°F) in September in the Îles Tuamotu-Gambier to a warm 29°C (85°F) in April in the Leeward Islands. Precipitation levels showcase a wide disparity, with December in the Îles Marquises receiving a modest 30 mm (1.2 in), while February in the Îles du Vent can drench the region with up to 315 mm (12.4 in) of rainfall. Humidity levels also fluctuate significantly, averaging a low of 76% in July in the Îles Australes and peaking at a high of 86% in January in the same archipelago, creating a lush and vibrant ecosystem.
French Polynesia boasts a tropical climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classification, primarily classified as Af, which signifies an equatorial climate with high rainfall throughout the year. From the lush landscapes of the Leeward Islands to the captivating beauty of the Îles Australes and the unique charm of the Îles Marquises, each region showcases vibrant ecosystems thriving in this humid environment. The Îles Tuamotu-Gambier also share this lush climate, along with the stunning Îles du Vent, making French Polynesia a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Af | Tropical rainforest climate with no dry season and high temperatures year-round. |
French Polynesia enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. From January to March, the minimum temperatures hover around a balmy 22°C (72°F), while the maximums reach up to 29°C (85°F) across various islands. As the months progress into April and May, we see a slight cooling, with minimum temperatures dipping to 21°C (69°F) in May, yet maximums remain a steady 29°C (84°F). The cooler months of June through August bring more noticeable changes, as temperatures drop to a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and maximums settle around 27°C (82°F). September maintains this trend, but come October, temperatures start to rebound slightly. By November, the warmth returns with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and maximums of 28°C (83°F). December concludes the year with temperatures rising once again to a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and maximums reaching back to 29°C (84°F). Overall, while the temperatures fluctuate seasonally, they remain largely warm and inviting, making French Polynesia an idyllic destination year-round.
In French Polynesia, precipitation patterns reveal a compelling contrast between the islands and their seasonal variations. Notably, Îles du Vent experiences the highest rainfall, with February seeing a staggering 315 mm (12.4 in), while the Îles Marquises enjoy a relatively dry December, recording a modest 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation. When examining the frequency of rainy days, Leeward Islands stand out in March with a maximum of 27 days of precipitation, suggesting a particularly wet transition into the Austral winter. In contrast, Îles Australes offer a drier spell in August, experiencing rainfall on only 10 days. These trends highlight the diverse climatic influences across French Polynesia, showcasing how geography and time shape the islands' unique weather patterns.
In French Polynesia, humidity levels exhibit a notable range throughout the year, with a minimum of 76% in July and peaking at a maximum of 86% in January in the Îles Australes. This trend highlights the region's tropical climate, where the air becomes more saturated during the warmer months. As the year progresses into the summer, visitors can expect a heavier, more humid atmosphere, which contributes to the lush, vibrant landscapes that characterize these stunning islands. Such humidity not only plays a crucial role in shaping the local ecology but also influences the overall experience of anyone exploring this beautiful paradise.
French Polynesia experiences notably high UV index values, particularly in the summer months. For instance, the average daily maximum UV index reaches an impressive 15 in February in the Îles Marquises, while January sees an even higher average of 16 in the Leeward Islands. These figures indicate a trend of elevated UV exposure, suggesting that residents and visitors should take necessary precautions, especially as the region enjoys its sunny tropical climate. As the UV index remains consistently high, awareness and protective measures are essential year-round.
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French Polynesia basks in abundant sunshine, with notable variations across its islands and seasons. In December, both the Îles Marquises and Îles Australes experience peak sunshine, boasting 338 hours and 297 hours respectively, perfect for those seeking sun-drenched adventures. As the year transitions into January, the Îles Marquises continue to shine brightly with 276 hours of sunlight, while the Îles Australes offer a more modest 213 hours in June. This seasonal trend highlights the striking differences in sunshine duration, making the islands not only a tropical paradise but also a destination with distinct climatic characteristics throughout the year.
When considering the likelihood of sunny weather in French Polynesia, a notable trend emerges between its regions and the seasons. For instance, May in the Îles Australes offers a modest 26% chance of sunshine, hinting at a transitional period as the islands prepare for the warmer months ahead. In contrast, September brings a remarkable 72% likelihood of sunny skies in the Leeward Islands, showcasing the peak of the dry season. This stark contrast not only highlights the diverse climate across the archipelago but also suggests that visitors to French Polynesia can optimally plan their trips around these seasonal patterns for an unforgettable experience under the sun.
In French Polynesia's Îles Australes, daylight hours vary significantly throughout the year, creating distinct experiences for visitors. In June, the region enjoys about 10 hours of sunlight, ideal for those who prefer cooler weather and shorter days. By December, however, daylight stretches to approximately 13 hours, inviting sun-seekers to bask in the warmth and beauty of the islands. This shift not only highlights the seasonal changes but also offers a glimpse into the diverse activities available as the days evolve from the cooler, more subdued months to the vibrant, sun-filled summer.
The Leeward Islands in French Polynesia bask in a tropical climate that delights throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from a warm 23°C to 29°C (74°F to 84°F). The humidity hovers around 80%, creating a lush, vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploration. Rainfall peaks in the early months, particularly in February, which sees an impressive 302 mm (11.9 in), while the summer months bring a more moderate 60-84 mm (2.4-3.3 in) of rain. This delightful blend of warmth and moisture supports the island's stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. For more detailed information, visit Leeward Islands climate.
The climate in Îles Australes, French Polynesia is a tropical dream, characterized by warm temperatures and lush humidity throughout the year. January to March sees highs peaking at 29°C (84°F), while the cooler months of June to September offer refreshingly mild weather, with temperatures averaging around 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is most abundant from February, reaching up to 292 mm (11.5 in), while the driest months are August and September, with only 97 mm (3.8 in) and 60 mm (2.4 in), respectively. Despite the humidity hovering around 85% in the height of summer, the warm ocean breezes make this paradise feel pleasantly inviting. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns, explore more about the Îles Australes climate.
Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, the Îles Marquises boast a tropical climate that delights visitors year-round. With average temperatures hovering around 26°C (79°F), the islands experience warm conditions, peaking in April at 29°C (84°F). Humidity remains comfortably high, ranging from 78% to 83%, while rainfall patterns vary—March to April often brings the most precipitation, with up to 86 mm (3.4 in). Whether basking in the sun or enjoying brief rain showers, the enchanting weather enriches the allure of these islands. For more detailed insights, explore the Îles Marquises climate.
The climate in Îles Tuamotu-Gambier is characterized by a tropical ambiance with mild temperatures year-round, where averages hover around 26°C (79°F) and rarely stray from a comfortable range of 17°C to 29°C (62°F to 84°F). The region experiences a significant amount of rainfall, especially during the wetter months of January and February, with precipitation reaching up to 133 mm (5.2 in). Humidity levels are consistently high, maintaining between 77% and 83%, which contributes to the lush landscapes that define these enchanting islands. With warm temperatures and a laid-back atmosphere, visitors can enjoy the beauty of this paradise almost any time of the year; for further details, check the Îles Tuamotu-Gambier climate.
The climate in Îles du Vent, French Polynesia is a tropical paradise, marked by warm temperatures year-round, with averages hovering around 26°C (79°F). From January to April, the islands experience their warmest months, with slight increases in daily highs reaching 29°C (84°F), often complemented by high humidity levels around 80%. As the year progresses, temperatures slightly dip to a comfortable average of 24°C (76°F) during the cooler months of August and September, while the rain tends to shift, peaking in February with 315 mm (12.4 in) of precipitation. All in all, the islands boast a delightful climate that invites visitors to explore stunning landscapes under a blanket of rich humidity. For more details on the variations and conditions throughout the year, check out the Îles du Vent climate.
The climate of French Polynesia is characterized by a delightful warmth and significant variation in precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures generally range from a comfortable 17°C (62°F) in September within the Îles Tuamotu-Gambier to a balmy 29°C (85°F) in April across the Leeward Islands. Rainfall fluctuates considerably, with the driest month recording only 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain in December in the Îles Marquises, while February sees a dramatic peak of 315 mm (12.4 in) in the Îles du Vent. Humidity levels also rise significantly, reaching an average high of 86% in January and a low of 76% in July within the Îles Australes. This unique interplay of temperature and moisture creates an inviting tropical paradise, where the lush landscapes thrive despite the seasonal shifts.