French Polynesia enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it an exceptional diving destination in every season. Spreading across five vast archipelagos, conditions can vary slightly from one island group to another, but overall temperatures remain stable, with average air temperatures around 27°C to 30 °C (81°F to 86°F) and water temperatures hovering near 28°C (82°F).
The region experiences two main seasons: the dry season, from March to November, and the rainy season, from November to April. The Marquesas Islands, much closer to the Equator, are hotter and have a shorter rainy season, from January to early March. This being said, it is possible to go diving in French Polynesia all year-round. You just have to know that the dry season generally offers better visibility and is the peak season for pelagic species such as manta rays. In contrast, the rainy season brings warmer water.
Diving in French Polynesia at a glance
How good diving in French Polynesia is?
General recommendations about the best time to visit French Polynesia
Located in the South Pacific, French Polynesia’s climate is tropical, with constant warm temperatures and sunny days, refreshed by year-round trade winds. Daytime temperatures in French Polynesia are warm, typically ranging from 24 to 31°C (75–88°F) year-round, with little seasonal variation. The dry season from March to November offers cooler, less humid weather and calmer seas, while the wetter season from November to April brings warmer air, occasional rain showers, and lusher landscapes.
Peak tourist seasons
To avoid crowds and higher prices, it’s best to steer clear of the peak months of July, August, and the Christmas–New Year holidays, when both international tourism and local vacation periods overlap. Visiting in September–October offers a perfect balance: pleasant weather, clear water, consistent dive conditions, and a more relaxed atmosphere across the islands.
What you need to know about the whale-watching season
The humpback whale season runs from August to October around Tahiti and Moorea, and from October to December in the Marquesas Islands, when mothers and calves migrate through French Polynesia’s warm waters. From November to April, there is also a chance to spot melon-headed whales around the Marquesas Islands.
Whale encounters often take place on the surface, and can eventually include snorkelling depending on whether the boat captain considers it is safe for both the whales and the snorkelers. However, their songs can be heard underwater throughout the diving day, adding an unforgettable dimension to your dives (I experienced this for the first time in the Marquesas Islands!). This period also coincides with good visibility and stable weather, making it a popular time for both diving and travel.
Average diving conditions in French Polynesia
On average, French Polynesia’s water temperature at the surface ranges between 26 and 29°C (79-84°F). However, it varies slightly depending on the island, the time of year, and ocean currents. The coldest month is August, and the warmest months are March and April. Scuba divers should note that the water temperature decreases with depth and is also affected by currents. Water visibility improves from June to September, with an average range of 30 m (****) to 40 m (*****). Peak conditions in the Tuamotu Islands can even exceed 50 meters on calm, clear days. After rain, visibility can temporarily drop, especially near shore or in lagoons.
Besides whale watching, French Polynesia is a paradise for shark lovers. Here are a few seasonal facts to keep in mind. Fakarava is famous for its resident population of grey reef sharks, which you can see year-round, especially in the North and South Pass, where hundreds gather in the currents. One of the most extraordinary events in Fakarava is the marbled grouper spawning, which takes place from mid-June to early July. During this short window, tens of thousands of groupers gather in the South Pass, attracting even more sharks in the passes. Shark enthusiasts may also consider the hammerhead shark season from July to September in the Marquesas Islands.
Diving in French Polynesia in January
The first week of January is considered peak tourist season. Around the 6th of January, the low season resumes, with warm, humid weather and frequent showers. In the Marquesas Islands, the rainy season starts.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 31°C (76°F-87°F)
- Average days of rain: 14
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 30°C (73°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands :
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 30°C (77°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 17
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (82°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 29°C (75°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
The first week is busy and expensive due to the New Year holidays. After January 5–7, tourism drops sharply.
Diving in French Polynesia in February
February is low season due to the rainy season, which brings lower visibility.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 31°C (77°F-87°F)
- Average days of rain: 11
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 30°C (73°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 30°C (77°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 16
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 29°C (75°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in March
March marks the middle of the low season, and the Tuamotu Islands encounter the most rainfall. In the Marquesas Islands, March is the last month of the rainy season.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 31°C (77°F-88°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 30°C (73°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 30°C (79°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 17
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 27°C – max 30°C (80°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in April
April is still low season, but the weather improves, rainfall decreases, and you get a nice balance of fewer tourists, favourable weather, and affordable prices.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 31°C (76°F-87°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 30°C (73°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 30°C (79°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 13
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 29°C (79°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
European Easter holidays may bring a small visitor bump.
Diving in French Polynesia in May
May is the shoulder season and the first month of the dry season, making it great for water activities and exploring without the high-season price hikes.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 30°C (75°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 29°C (72°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 5
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 26°C – max 30°C (79°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 9
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 28°C (75°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Peak Season:
May is the start of the surfing season on some islands, especially in Tahiti.
Diving in French Polynesia in June
June marks the start of high season, when tourist numbers rise as families and travellers seek stable weather, while Tahiti and Moorea are cooler than the rest of the islands.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 29°C (73°F-85°F)
- Average days of rain: 5
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 21°C – max 29°C (70°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 29°C (77°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 27°C (75°F-81°F)
- Average days of rain: 5
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in July
July is peak season and probably the busiest month, including the significant cultural dance event Heiva i Tahiti, but the water temperature drops as well as the air temperature in Tahiti and Moorea.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 29°C (72°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 28°C (68°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 3
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 28°C (76°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (82°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 27°C (75°F-81°F)
- Average days of rain: 3
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
July is a peak tourist season due to summer holidays in Europe, especially France, and the Heiva i Tahiti festival.
Diving in French Polynesia in August
August is peak season, with stable, dry weather but cooler water and air temperatures. This is the start of the whale watching season in Tahiti and Moorea.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 26° (79°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 28°C (72°F-83°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 28°C (68°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 28°C (76°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 27°C (75°F-81°F)
- Average days of rain: 3
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
August is a peak tourist season due to summer holidays in Europe, especially in France. Besides, international surf competitions are usually organised around this time of the year, especially in the Tahiti Peninsula at Teahupo’o.
Diving in French Polynesia in September
September is the high season, when the weather remains dry, crowds begin to thin, and prices become more affordable. The water temperature is at its coolest in Tahiti. This is the peak whale watching season in Tahiti and Moorea.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 26° (79°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 29°C (73°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 20°C – max 28°C (68°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 3
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 28°C (76°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 27°C (75°F-81°F)
- Average days of rain: 3
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in October
October marks the end of the primary dry season. Weather remains generally good, seas calm. Less crowded than in summer, and accommodation/prices tend to dip. This is the start of the whale watching season in the Marquesas Islands, while this is the last month in Tahiti and Moorea.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 23°C – max 29°C (74°F-85°F)
- Average days of rain: 8
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 21°C – max 29°C (70°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 4
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands (Fakarava):
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 29°C (77°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 5
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 28°C (75°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 7
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in November
November marks the start of the low season, when rainfall frequency increases. It’s a good option for budget travellers. This is the peak whale watching season in the Marquesas Islands.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 27° (81°F)
- Air temperature: min 24°C – max 30°C (75°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 29°C (72°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: ***** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 29°C (77°F-84°F)
- Average days of rain: 6
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (82°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 28°C (77°F-82°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: ** (1-5 stars)
Diving in French Polynesia in December
Although December falls firmly within the rainy season in the Society and Tuamotu Islands, the Marquesas Islands are in their last month of the dry season. This is the last month of the whale watching season in the Marquesas Islands. The final two weeks of December are still among the busiest and most expensive periods due to the Christmas–New Year holidays, while early December stays quieter and more affordable.
Conditions Tahiti:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 24° – max 30°C (76°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 15
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Conditions Moorea:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (83°F)
- Air temperature: min 22°C – max 30°C (72°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 10
- Visibility: *** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Tuamotu Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 29° (84°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 30°C (77°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 5
- Visibility: **** (1-5 stars)
Conditions Marquesa Islands:
- Average water temperature at the surface: 28° (82°F)
- Air temperature: min 25°C – max 30°C (77°F-86°F)
- Average days of rain: 12
- Visibility: * (1-5 stars)
Peak season:
The end of December, with Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is a peak tourist season due to European public holidays.
Do you need more information to plan your trip to French Polynesia?
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