Last updated: October 30, 2025
December in Papeete, French Polynesia is characterized by warm tropical temperatures, with maximums reaching 28°C (82°F) and averages settling at a comfortable 26°C (78°F). Visitors can expect evenings to be pleasantly mild, with minimums around 23°C (74°F). However, this lush paradise experiences a high level of precipitation, accumulating 271 mm (10.7 in) over the month, typically spread across 26 rainy days. Coupled with an average humidity of 82%, December offers a vibrant, if sometimes damp, experience, perfect for those looking to embrace the region's natural beauty and lush landscapes.
December in Papeete, French Polynesia, offers a delightful tropical experience as temperatures remain consistently warm. With a minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F) and peaking at a comfortable 28°C (82°F), the month showcases an average of 26°C (78°F), maintaining the pleasant, balmy climate characteristic of the region. As the year draws to a close, December mirrors the temperatures seen in the preceding months, particularly reflecting the stable warmth felt throughout late spring and early summer. This consistency makes Papeete an enticing destination for sun-seekers and adventure lovers alike, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences under the Pacific sun.
In December Papeete, French Polynesia, the weather carries a noticeable sense of urgency, as the island transitions into its wet season with precipitation reaching 271 mm (10.7 in) over an average of 26 rainy days. This marks a clear uptick from November, when 182 mm (7.2 in) fell across 23 days. The lush tropical environment thrives under these conditions, reflecting a broader trend where rainfall in the latter months of the year generally increases, peaking around February. Comparatively, December's rainfall is robust, yet it remains below February's substantial total. Overall, this pattern of ascending precipitation not only sustains Papeete's lush landscapes, but also emphasizes the region's tropical climate, where moisture plays a vital role in the natural ecosystem.
In Papeete, French Polynesia, December wraps up the year with a humidity level of 82%, maintaining a trend of high moisture throughout the warmer months. This figure is emblematic of the tropical climate, where humidity generally hovers around the 80% mark from January to May. A noticeable increase occurs from July to October, with humidity peaking at 84% in October. As the year winds down, December's humidity dips slightly from the peaks of the preceding months, yet remains consistent with the year's overall pattern. This blend of warmth and humidity sets the stage for Papeete's lush landscapes and vibrant marine life, ensuring that the island remains a paradise for those seeking tropical escapes.
In December, Papeete, French Polynesia, continues to experience extreme UV exposure, with a consistent UV Index of 15. This mirrors the months of October and November, highlighting a trend of intense sun exposure during the peak of the Southern Hemisphere summer. With a quick burn time of just 10 minutes, it's crucial to take protective measures if you plan to bask in the tropical sun. As the year ends, the UV levels remain significantly high, echoing the environment's allure and the need for caution. For more detailed information, visit the Papeete UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December unfolds in Papeete, French Polynesia, it basks in an impressive 297 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Following a steady upward trend through the latter part of the year, with hours of daylight peaking in October at 312 hours, the sunny disposition in December represents a slight decrease yet remains vibrant compared to earlier months. This beautiful month captures the tail end of a sunshine surge that began in August, when days started to stretch longer, providing a warm embrace before the year concludes. With each hour basked in tropical sunlight, December invites both locals and visitors alike to enjoy the splendid outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes that thrive under its golden rays.
In Papeete, French Polynesia, December offers a promising 38% chance of sunny weather, reflecting a trend of fluctuating sunshine across the year. As the year progresses, the likelihood of clear skies significantly increases, peaking in the dry months of July and August at 59% and 61%, respectively. Following a slight dip in late autumn, December's sunshine probability remains relatively stable when compared to November's 37% and showcases a gradual transition into the sun-kissed days of the new year. Travelers can look forward to the beauty of Papeete under the tropical sun, even as the humidity begins to rise towards the summer months.
As the year winds down, December in Papeete, French Polynesia, welcomes a return to longer days, boasting 13 hours of daylight. This increase mirrors the extended daylight seen in January, suggesting the tropical paradise is at its most vibrant during the year's end. Notably, the daylight duration dips to 11 hours from April through August, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying leisurely evenings. However, as the calendar shifts towards the new year, daylight gradually increases again, enriching the stunning sunsets and blue skies that define this breathtaking locale.
As December unfolds in Papeete, French Polynesia, the breeze whispers hints of the warmer months to come. With an average wind speed of 5.5 m/s (12 mph), the winds are mild yet refreshing, offering a pleasant contrast to the balmy tropical heat. This month's breeze carries slightly more vigor than in November, where winds were measured at 5.2 m/s. The trend in winds over the past year suggests a gradual uptick; starting from a gentle 4.3 m/s in April, Papeete's winds have seen a steady increase, peaking in July at 6.9 m/s (16 mph) before settling into a more stable rhythm as December approaches. This pattern reveals not only the island's climate resilience but also the comforting embrace of the Pacific trade winds, ensuring that festive gatherings under the tropical sky remain lively and invigorated.
Weather in Papeete varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Papeete, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather features a consistent warm temperature range with a minimum of 23°C (74°F), an average of 26°C (78°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F). However, this month also experiences a significant amount of rainfall, totaling 271 mm (10.7 in) across 26 days, leading to a relatively high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, January maintains similar temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), but sees a slight reduction in precipitation to 250 mm (9.8 in) over 22 days. This results in a marginally lower humidity of 80%, suggesting a slightly drier feel compared to December. For more details, you can check Papeete weather in January.
In comparing the weather conditions of December and February, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with minimums around 23°C (74°F), average highs at approximately 26–28°C (79–83°F), and only slight variations in humidity. However, February tends to be slightly wetter, experiencing a total precipitation of 334 mm (13.1 in) over 24 days, compared to December’s 271 mm (10.7 in) across 26 days. This indicates that while both months have high humidity levels at around 81-82%, February may feel more damp due to increased rainfall. For those interested in a more detailed look at February weather, you can visit Papeete weather in February.
In December, the weather features a slightly lower minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F) and an average high of 28°C (82°F), accompanied by significant rainfall of 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, resulting in a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, March shows a minimal increase in minimum temperature to 24°C (75°F) and maintains the same maximum temperature of 28°C (83°F), but experiences less precipitation at 213 mm (8.4 in) across 27 days, with humidity slightly lower at 79%. For a more detailed look at March weather, visit Papeete weather in March.
When comparing the weather in December and April, we see some similarities and differences. Both months exhibit warm temperatures, with average highs around 28°C (82°F) and lows at 23°C (74°F). However, December experiences significantly more rainfall, with 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, compared to April's 157 mm (6.2 in) over just 25 days. Additionally, humidity is slightly higher in December at 82%, while April sees a more moderate 79%. For more detailed information about the weather conditions in April, you can visit Papeete weather in April.
When comparing the weather in December and May, both months feature similar temperatures, with minimums around 23°C (74°F), average temperatures of approximately 26°C (78-79°F), and maximums near 28°C (82°F). However, December experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, compared to May, which sees only 96 mm (3.8 in) over 21 days. Additionally, humidity levels are quite similar, with December slightly higher at 82% versus May's 80%. For more detailed information, you can check Papeete weather in May.
In December, the weather is notably warmer with a minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), peaking at 28°C (82°F). This month also sees a higher level of precipitation, totaling 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, along with a humidity level of 82%. In contrast, June is slightly cooler with a minimum temperature of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), reaching a maximum of 27°C (81°F). Additionally, June experiences significantly less rainfall, accumulating 115 mm (4.5 in) over 20 days and maintaining a humidity level of 80%. For a more detailed look at the climate in June, you can visit Papeete weather in June.
December and July present notable differences in weather conditions. In December, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (78°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, with 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days and high humidity at 82%. In contrast, July sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and a maximum of 27°C (80°F), averaging 25°C (76°F). Precipitation is also reduced in July, totaling 134 mm (5.3 in) across 20 days, and humidity is lower at 78%. For further details, you can check out Papeete weather in July.
December and August in Papeete exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. December experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average high of 28°C (82°F), compared to August's minimum of 22°C (71°F) and a maximum of 26°C (79°F). Additionally, December is significantly wetter, receiving 271 mm (10.7 in) of precipitation over 26 days, while August sees only 65 mm (2.6 in) across 15 days. Humidity levels remain similar, with December at 82% and August at 83%. For more information, you can check out Papeete weather in August.
When comparing the weather of December and September, December tends to be warmer with average temperatures reaching 26°C (78°F), while September has a slightly cooler average of 24°C (76°F). Both months share a high humidity level of 82%, but December experiences significantly more rainfall, with 271 mm (10.7 in) across 26 days compared to September's 110 mm (4.4 in) over 16 days. This increase in precipitation makes December a much wetter month, impacting outdoor activities. For more detailed insights, you can check out Papeete weather in September.
In comparing the weather between December and October, December experiences slightly warmer temperatures with averages around 26°C (78°F), compared to October's 24°C (76°F). The maximum temperatures in December can reach up to 28°C (82°F), while October peaks at 26°C (79°F). However, December also sees a significant increase in precipitation, with 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, compared to October's 162 mm (6.4 in) over 21 days. Interestingly, the humidity levels in both months are similar, sitting at 82% for December and 84% for October, making the atmosphere feel quite humid throughout. For detailed insights about October weather, you can check Papeete weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, we observe some notable differences. December experiences slightly warmer temperatures with an average of 26°C (78°F), compared to November's average of 25°C (77°F). The maximum temperature in December also reaches 28°C (82°F), higher than November's max of 27°C (81°F). However, December sees significantly more rainfall, with 271 mm (10.7 in) over 26 days, whereas November has 182 mm (7.2 in) across 23 days. Both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 82%. For more detailed information, you can check the Papeete weather in November.
In December, Papeete experiences a notable shift in weather, characterized by increased humidity and frequent rainfall, making it distinct from other months. With an average temperature of around 26°C (78°F) and a maximum of 28°C (82°F), the warmth remains inviting, yet the high humidity of 82% and substantial precipitation over 26 days can create a lush, tropical atmosphere. While other months may offer drier conditions, December's vibrant scenery and tropical charm come alive with the rains, drawing visitors to embrace the island’s lush beauty. For a more detailed outlook on Papeete's weather patterns, explore the Papeete Climate.