Bucket List ; Tahiti

[rockborn]

Hi all, We are considering bare boating Tahiti in early January. We have read that it can be too rainy . Any opinions would be helpful, thanks

[s/v Moondancer]

We were there in July and August...It was lovely.

[chouliha]

Jan is summer and the rainy season in the societies. Some days it does not rain at all other days you can get 2-3 days of rain. It all depends on the weather systems traveling across the Pacific.

The water is warm and so is the rain. If you are planning a trip in Jan bring a wind breaker/ water proof top and a swim suit. Realize you may not be able to see everything you want as weather may dictate you hang for an extra day somewhere until the weather lifts. It is for sure doable but the chance of rain and unsettled weather is much higher than say in Sept.

Enjoy

Chuck
Jacaranda
Mo’orea, FP

[JPA Cate]

In coral waters, a grey sky makes it impossible to see the coral heads; you get silvery reflections off the water. Plus, the area is drop dead gorgeous when the sun shines.

Ann

[fxykty]

We bare boated from Raiatea last December 6-17. Apparently it had rained for the previous 3 weeks, but we had glorious weather throughout with rain squalls on the last day. You take your chances but as long as there isn’t a cyclone you have a 50/50 chance of sunny vs rainy weather. The winds are lighter and the air is more humid and a bit warmer compared to the dry season.

As Ann says, you may be stuck for a day or two as you can’t see the coral heads and reef shallows when it’s cloudy, but the fact is that the Society’s have very good navigation marks and the charts are pretty good.

Most weather systems move through within a few days. And you have far fewer boats, so less crowding and more chances of solitude. Plus, it’s a bit cheaper. Go for it.

[GordMay]

Tahiti Weather:

French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. The average ocean temperature is in the low 80’s. Because Tahiti and her Islands are below the Equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Tahiti Weather Seasons

Roughly speaking, there are two Tahiti weather seasons: from November through April the climate is warmer and more humid, with daily high temperatures of about 85 F and lows of 70F at night. More rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many lovely sunny days with refreshing trade-winds during these months. In fact, during the period of November through March, Tahiti still averages more sunshine hours than Honolulu. Travelers should not afraid to take advantage of the lower hotel and flight prices during this season. Multiple consecutive rainy days are uncommon and most showers past in an hour or two.

From May through October the climate is cooler and drier with daily high temperatures of about 82F and lows of 70F at night. Rain is infrequent and you should expect comfortable weather during the day and evening.
Micro Climates

High islands (such as Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora) feature micro-climates related to their altitudes and exposition. Eastern coasts are more exposed to trade winds and consequently receive more rainfalls than the western coasts that are more sheltered.

From ➥ Tahiti Weather | Tahiti Travel Planners

[pathlesschosen]

Go for it. I’ve sailed the Society Islands off season. Expect rain showers and the occasional down day. Prices are more affordable. Anchorages more peaceful. Cheers.