The month in detail
What to expect in May
Autumn marks the end of peak season in French Polynesia. Temperatures drop (82°F) and rain returns (27% of days). Expect rain on 27% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. August (8.4/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 6 out of 12 months in French Polynesia. Compared to April: −2°F daytime, +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
24°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.2h of daylight
Air quality
excellent
AQI 16
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in French Polynesia is August (8.4/10), 2.9 pts higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · French Polynesia
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Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · French Polynesia
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · French Polynesia
🗣️LanguageFrench
💶CurrencyEuro (€)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 84°F
❄️Coolest monthJune · 81°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘDecember · 49%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
🛂VisaSchengen · 90 days
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is French Polynesia ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
French PolynesiaTropical climate with a 8.4 → 4.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
17.53°S · 149.57°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit French Polynesia?
August is the best month with 81°F highs, 73°F lows, 5.8h of sunshine and 17.0% rainy days. The months of August & September offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does French Polynesia get in August?
French Polynesia averages 5.8 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in French Polynesia?
February is the most unfavourable month with February has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in French Polynesia in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 73°F, while afternoon highs average 81°F.
Is French Polynesia good in winter?
In winter (December-February), French Polynesia scores 4.9/10 on average — Difficult period — prefer the peak season.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid French Polynesia?
February is the most difficult month to visit French Polynesia, with February has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in French Polynesia in May?
In May, the sea averages 83°F in French Polynesia: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in French Polynesia in May?
The average UV index reaches 7 in May in French Polynesia (high), with about 11.2h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.