Climate and monthly weather forecastPape'ete, French Polynesia
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Feb 1, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January, March and April, with an average relative humidity of 78%, are the least humid months in Pape'ete, French Polynesia.
Throughout the year, there are 272.6 rainfall days, and 1577mm (62.09") of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index.
March is the month when Pape'ete, French Polynesia, experiences its warmest temperatures, averaging a high of 27.3°C (81.1°F) and a low of 26.2°C (79.2°F).
March is the month with the warmest seawater in Pape'ete, French Polynesia, with an average sea temperature of 28.9°C (84°F).
June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 6min of daylight.
June through November, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index in Pape'ete, French Polynesia.
In Pape'ete, French Polynesia, the coldest months are August and September, registering an average high-temperature of 24.6°C (76.3°F).
The months with the highest humidity are August, October and November, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
August is the month with the least rainfall in Pape'ete, French Polynesia. Rain falls for 17.3 days and accumulates 40mm (1.57") of precipitation.
The month with the coldest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 26.4°C (79.5°F).
With an average of 5.6h of sunshine, August has the least sunshine of the year in Pape'ete.
December is the month with the most rainfall in Pape'ete, French Polynesia. Rain falls for 26.7 days and accumulates 246mm (9.69") of precipitation.
The month with the longest days is December, with an average of 13h and 12min of daylight.
Pape'ete does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). -10 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
The month with the most sunshine is December, with an average of 9.2h of sunshine.
Average temperature
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is March (27.3°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are August and September (24.6°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are March and April (26.2°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is August (23.5°C).
Average pressure
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average pressure in January:
1011.1mbar - Average pressure in February:
1011.2mbar - Average pressure in March:
1011.9mbar - Average pressure in April:
1012.6mbar - Average pressure in May:
1013.5mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014.1mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1014.9mbar - Average pressure in August:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1015.3mbar - Average pressure in October:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in November:
1012.4mbar - Average pressure in December:
1011.1mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is September (1015.3mbar).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are January and December (1011.1mbar).
Average wind speed
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average wind speed in January:
20.4km/h - Average wind speed in February:
22.1km/h - Average wind speed in March:
18.3km/h - Average wind speed in April:
18.5km/h - Average wind speed in May:
21.1km/h - Average wind speed in June:
22.7km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
24.6km/h - Average wind speed in August:
23.8km/h - Average wind speed in September:
25km/h - Average wind speed in October:
22.4km/h - Average wind speed in November:
21.7km/h - Average wind speed in December:
20.2km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (25km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is March (18.3km/h).
Average humidity
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The months with the highest relative humidity are August, October and November (80%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are January, March and April (78%).
Average rainfall
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average rainfall in January:
234mm - Average rainfall in February:
227mm - Average rainfall in March:
221mm - Average rainfall in April:
150mm - Average rainfall in May:
87mm - Average rainfall in June:
66mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (246mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (40mm).
Average rainfall days
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average rainfall days in January:
29.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
25.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
27.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
24.4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
20.2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
19.2 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
17.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
18.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
22.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
23 days - Average rainfall days in December:
26.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (29.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (17.3 days).
Average sea temperature
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is March (28.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (26.4°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 42min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 12min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 18min - Average daylight in June:
11h and 6min
- Average daylight in July:
11h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 30min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 54min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 12min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 6min - Average sunshine in March:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in April:
6h and 6min - Average sunshine in May:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
5h and 48min
- Average sunshine in July:
5h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
5h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 54min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 6min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 12min
The month with the most sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 9h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 5h and 36min).
Average sunshine days
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
- Average sunshine days in January:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
1.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
1.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
2.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
6.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
5.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
9.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
6.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
3.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
3.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
2.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (9.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (0.8 days).
Average UV index
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, May and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are June, July, August, September, October and November (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is April (Cloud cover 42).
Average visibility
Pape'ete, French Polynesia
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and December (9km).
