When to go
The best time to visit the
Society Islands (Tahiti, Bora-Bora) and the
Tuamotu Islands runs from June to September, while the best time on the
Marquesas Islands runs from August to November.
In contrast, it's hard to find an advisable season for the
Austral Islands, in fact, the summer is hot and muggy, with heavy rains and thunderstorms as well as some risk of tropical cyclones, while the winter at this latitude is a bit cool, and even rainy and windy on the southernmost islands.
What to pack
For the
Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu Islands, all year round, bring tropics-friendly, loose-fitting clothing, a sun hat, a scarf for the breeze, a light sweatshirt for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
For the
Austral Islands, from June to September (ie in winter), bring light clothes for the day, a scarf for the breeze, a sweatshirt and possibly a light jacket for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
For
Rapa and the Bass Rocks, from June to September (ie in winter), bring spring/autumn clothes, a sweatshirt or sweater, a jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella; from December to February (ie in summer), light clothing, a sweatshirt for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
Back to the climate of
French Polynesia