The climate of Pape'ete
Characterized by a predominant Af Köppen climate classification,
Pape'ete's geographical position in
French Polynesia bestows upon it a typical tropical rainforest climate. Throughout the year, the city is steeped in warm and humid conditions, with temperature highs ranging from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 27.3°C (81.1°F) and lows fluctuating between 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F).
Despite the calm temperature range, Pape'ete bears witness to considerable changes in rainfall quantities. The wettest month of the year is
December, with rainfall reaching as much as 246mm (9.69"). In stark contrast,
August receives the least rainfall, recorded at 40mm (1.57"). The number of average rainfall days mirrors this trend, with the highest rainfall days peaking at 29.3 in
January, and dropping to a low of 17.3 days in August.
A unique climatic aspect of Pape'ete is the fairly constant sea temperature which ranges from a minimum of 26.4°C (79.5°F) in August to a maximum of 28.9°C (84°F) in
March, offering conducive conditions for water-based activities throughout the year. The wind speeds in Pape'ete display a gradual increase from the start of the year, starting at 20.4km/h (12.7mph) in January, and reaching a peak of 25km/h (15.5mph) in
September.
The best time to visit Pape'ete
The optimal time to visit
Pape'ete depends on individual preferences. However, taking climate parameters into account,
July to
October is generally favorable. During these months, temperature variations are least extreme, ranging from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F). Additionally, rainfall subsides significantly, averaging between 40mm (1.57") to 79mm (3.11"), resulting in drier days, with a low of 17.3 rainfall days in
August. Hence, these months offer the most comfortable and enjoyable outdoor and recreational conditions.
The worst time to visit Pape'ete
The least advisable time for travel to
Pape'ete is during the peak wet season, from
December to
March. During these months, the city experiences the highest levels of rainfall, topping at 246mm (9.69") in December and 234mm (9.21") in
January. Correspondingly, these periods also record the maximum number of rainfall days, reaching 29.3 in January. Therefore, this season may obstruct outdoor activities and sightseeing plans, making it unsuitable for visitors seeking to explore Pape'ete's in its full glory.
Spring weather in Pape'ete
Spring in
Pape'ete, observed from
September to
November, witnesses a gradual rise in average temperatures, from 24.6°C (76.3°F) in September to 26°C (78.8°F) in November. Rainfall begins to increase, moving up from 50mm (1.97") in September to 132mm (5.2") in November. However, the relatively lower humidity levels, typically around 79%, coupled with sea temperatures that average 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), make spring a pleasant season, particularly for aquatic activities.
Summer weather in Pape'ete
Pape'ete's equatorial location means it does not have a traditional summer season.
January, however, could be considered a summer month due to its high average temperature of 26.9°C (80.4°F) and relatively low rainfall of 234mm (9.21"). Sea temperatures in January are quite warm, averaging around 28.3°C (82.9°F), perfect for water activities. Average wind speed is around 20.4km/h (12.7mph), providing a pleasant breeze.
Autumn weather in Pape'ete
From
March to
May,
Pape'ete transitions into autumn, offering relatively steady weather conditions. Although temperatures dip from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F), the combination of warmer sea temperatures, lower wind speeds at approximately from 18.3km/h (11.4mph) to 21.1km/h (13.1mph), and decreasing rainfall, presents an exceptional window to experience Pape'ete and its offerings.
Winter weather in Pape'ete
The winter season, starting in
June and ending in
August, is slightly cooler in
Pape'ete, with temperatures falling to a low of 24.6°C (76.3°F), while remaining conducive for outdoor activities. The season records the lowest rainfall and number of rainy days. With the sea temperature around 27.2°C (81°F) and reduced humidity, beach-goers and water-sports enthusiasts find this an opportune time to take advantage of Pape'ete's coastal attractions.
Weather in January
Starting off the year,
Pape'ete witnesses a breath-taking experience, with rich shades of blue involving both the sky and the sea. The overall climate is humid, favoring impressive cloudscapes that fill the skies roughly 50% of the time.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The enchanting city of
Pape'ete enters
February, continuing its pattern of warm temperatures from the prior month. Despite the temperatures, prevalent trade winds govern the cityscape, introducing a calming rhythm to the atmosphere.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Arriving into
March,
Pape'ete continues to bask in warm, tropical weather. The city perched by the sea, witnesses slight changes in its atmospheric parameters, evolving subtly from its
February conditions. A noticeable pattern though is the city's third consecutive month with high levels of rainfall, which sit at 221mm (8.7").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a change to the weather dynamics in
Pape'ete, signalling a departure from the prior months' conditions. With less humid and slightly cooler temperatures, the city experiences an interesting modulation in the climate.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With
May,
Pape'ete transitions further into a perioud of reduced rainfall and lower temperatures. A gentle climate dominates the cityscape, dramatically different from the initial months of the year. The low rainfall which begins in
April continues into May, recording a significant drop to 87mm (3.43").
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Pape'ete marks the beginning of a relatively dry season, with visibly reduced cloud cover and a decline in relative humidity. Slight increases in wind speeds offer a refreshing contrast to the warmer months at the start of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July finds
Pape'ete amidst its driest month, with a significant reduction in cloud cover, contributing to longer sunshine hours. The sea temperatures begin to decline slightly, matching the general climate trend of the city. The rainfall descends to its lowest point for the year, as July sees a mere 45mm (1.77") of precipitation.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August witnesses the continuity of less humid conditions in
Pape'ete, with daily temperatures being moderately cooler. Noticeably, the sea temperatures mirror this trend, allowing for a balanced, ambient climate. Maintaining the trend set by
July, August continues to receive little rain, with the total rainfall remaining as low as 40mm (1.57").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Pape'ete represents a gradual shift from the dry period to one that accumulates more rainfall. The city, however, manages to retain its moderate temperatures and comfortable humidity levels. Witnessing an increase in precipitation, September records a total rainfall of 50mm (1.97"), contrasting significantly from the prior month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes the return of the wetter climate in
Pape'ete, where temperatures begin a slight upward trend. The gentle, city-wide breeze continues to be a delight, despite the increase in temperature and precipitation. A notable upturn in the rainfall sees October receiving 79mm (3.11"), making it much wetter than
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November unfolds,
Pape'ete's climate demonstrates a significant increase in humidity and rainfall, indicating a return to earlier weather characteristics. Although sea temperatures trend upwards, the city maintains its overall moderate temperature paradigm.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Pape'ete embraces its typical tropical climate, with high humidity and abundant rainfall, concluding the year with the city's well-known weather attributes. Daily temperatures align with those observed in the brighter months of the year, with pleasant breezes to balance the climate.
Weather in December » [Resources]