WHEN TO TRAVEL TO French Polynesia

Choosing the right period for your trip to French Polynesia can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Polynésie Française

Location

Climate

January 25.1→27.3°C
10.23mm
5:34→18:39
February 25.4→27.6°C
8.79mm
5:50→18:32
March 25.6→27.8°C
5.77mm
5:59→18:12
April 25.5→27.6°C
4.9mm
6:06→17:49
May 25.1→27.1°C
3.55mm
6:14→17:33
June 24.3→26.2°C
3.45mm
6:24→17:32
July 23.8→25.8°C
2.58mm
6:26→17:40
August 23.5→25.6°C
2.32mm
6:14→17:48
September 23.6→25.8°C
2.98mm
5:50→17:53
October 23.9→26.1°C
4.23mm
5:27→17:59
November 24.6→26.8°C
5.49mm
5:13→18:12
December 25.1→27.3°C
7.51mm
5:17→18:29
25.1→27.3°C
25.4→27.6°C
25.6→27.8°C
25.5→27.6°C
25.1→27.1°C
24.3→26.2°C
23.8→25.8°C
23.5→25.6°C
23.6→25.8°C
23.9→26.1°C
24.6→26.8°C
25.1→27.3°C
Jan 5:34→18:39
Feb 5:50→18:32
Mar 5:59→18:12
Apr 6:06→17:49
May 6:14→17:33
Jun 6:24→17:32
Jul 6:26→17:40
Aug 6:14→17:48
Sep 5:50→17:53
Oct 5:27→17:59
Nov 5:13→18:12
Dec 5:17→18:29
10.23mm
8.79mm
5.77mm
4.9mm
3.55mm
3.45mm
2.58mm
2.32mm
2.98mm
4.23mm
5.49mm
7.51mm
French Polynesia, a heavenly destination nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and rich, unique culture.

Seasons in French Polynesia: high and low season

French Polynesia has a tropical climate, which means that temperatures are generally warm and pleasant all year round. However, there are two distinct seasons:
  • Dry season (April to October) The high tourist season. Temperatures are cooler, averaging between 20 and 27°C, and the weather is generally sunny with little precipitation. This makes it an excellent time to enjoy water sports and land excursions. Accommodation and transport costs can be high during this period, but you'll enjoy a wide choice of activities and cultural events.
  • Rainy season (November to March) Season: Corresponding to the low tourist season, this period is marked by higher temperatures (24 to 30°C) and high humidity. Rainfall is frequent, but generally short and intense. Accommodation and transport rates are often cheaper during this period, which can be interesting for travelers wishing to discover French Polynesia at lower cost. However, some activities and excursions may be limited due to weather conditions.

Major cultural events in French Polynesia

The richness of Polynesian culture is expressed in its many festive and traditional events. Attending one of these events can be a unique opportunity to discover local culture and enjoy unforgettable experiences. Here are just a few of the major events not to be missed:

International Oceanic Documentary Film Festival (FIFO)

Held every February in Papeete, the FIFO is a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of Oceanic cinema and culture. The festival showcases documentaries from all over the Pacific, offering an exceptional panorama of the region's cultures and issues.

Heiva i Tahiti

The Heiva is the most important cultural event in French Polynesia. Held every July, the festival celebrates the richness of Polynesian culture through competitions in dance, song, crafts and traditional sports. The festivities extend over several weeks, offering a spectacle of color and emotion.

The Billabong Pro Tahiti

This international surfing competition takes place every August on Tahiti's famous Teahupo'o wave. The Billabong Pro Tahiti attracts the world's best surfers and offers a unique spectacle for thrill-seekers.

Public holidays in French Polynesia

To plan your stay in Polynesia, it is useful to know the local public holidays, during which certain activities or services may be limited:
  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • March-April (dates vary) : Good Friday and Easter Monday
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • May 8: Commemoration of the end of the Second World War
  • Ascension (date varies)
  • Pentecost (date varies)
  • July 14: French national holiday
  • August 15: Assumption
  • November 1: All Saints' Day
  • November 11: Armistice of the First World War
  • December 25: Christmas
In addition, each archipelago has its own public holidays. For example, the Marquesas Islands celebrate Marquesan Flag Day on December 14.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Immigration statistics for French Polynesia

According to data provided by the Statistical Institute of French Polynesia (ISPF), the total population of French Polynesia was 280,208 at the 2017 census. Among this population, there are around 25,000 immigrants, representing almost 9 % of the total population. L'migratory increaseThe number of people moving into and out of Polynesia has remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2021, it was estimated at 400 people.

Immigrants by country of origin

The main countries of origin of immigrants settled in French Polynesia are :
  • Metropolitan France: 53 %
  • Other French overseas islands (including New Caledonia and Reunion): 14 %
  • Pacific countries (such as Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga): 12 %
  • Asian countries (including China, Japan and the Philippines): 9 %
  • American countries (mainly the United States and Canada): 5 %
  • European countries outside mainland France (mainly Italy, Spain and the UK): 4 %
  • African countries (mainly Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia): 3 %

Most popular visas in French Polynesia

There are several types of visa for entering French Polynesia, depending on the purpose of your stay. Here are the most commonly requested visas:

Short-stay visa (less than 90 days)

This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Polynesia for less than three months. It is mainly intended for tourists, but also for business travelers and family visitors. To obtain this visa, applicants must present a valid passport, an attestation of welcome or accommodation reservation, a round-trip air ticket and proof of sufficient financial resources.

Long-stay visa (over 90 days)

This visa is required for people wishing to settle in French Polynesia for more than three months. There are several categories of long-stay visa, depending on the reasons for the move:
  • Student Visa for students enrolled in a French Polynesian educational establishment.
  • Employee visa for people who have obtained a work contract with a local employer.
  • Entrepreneur Visa for people wishing to set up or take over a business in French Polynesia.
  • Retired Visa For people over 60 with sufficient income to live without working on site.
  • Family reunion visa for family members of a resident of French Polynesia, under certain conditions.

International tourism figures for French Polynesia

The tourism sector is an important pillar of the Polynesian economy. In 2019, before the COVID-19 health crisis, French Polynesia welcomed nearly 217,000 international visitors. However, tourism figures fell sharply in 2020 due to travel restrictions and containment that limited international travel.

Tourist profile

Most international visitors to French Polynesia come from the following countries: The average length of stay for a tourist in French Polynesia is 12.6 days. The most-visited islands are Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

Economic impact of tourism

Tourism generates around 14 % of French Polynesia's gross domestic product (GDP) and represents a major source of employment for the inhabitants. Tourism-related revenues amounted to more than 55 billion Pacific francs (around 460 million euros) in 2019.