French Polynesia
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The best time to visit French Polynesia
A fantasy world of blue lagoons, hibiscus flowers and jungle-coated mountains, this Pacific archipelago is one of the most magical places on Earth. Here’s why a holiday to French Polynesia should top your bucket list, and when it’s the best time to visit.
Travel information
Language: French | Currency: CFP franc (XPF) | Local time: UTC -10 | Avg. Flight time: 20 hours
Endless exploring
The islands of French Polynesia are spread over an area the size of Europe. There are countless places to go within the archipelago, from uber-luxe Tahiti to diving mecca Bora Bora. Charter a yacht to visit the remote Tuamotu Islands, immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Marquesas Islands, take a dip in the clear waters of Raiaea or drive a 4x4 into the mountainous interior of Moorea. With 118 islands to visit, you could spend a lifetime of holidays getting to know this tropical paradise.
Sand and sea
Whatever your dream beach setup, you’ll find it here in French Polynesia. From Maupiti’s lagoon-side Tereia Beach and the black volcanic coastline of Point Venus in Tahiti to the classic white sand and waving palm trees of Matira Beach in Bora Bora, the variety here is mind-blowing.
The beaches might be the most beautiful in the world – but the underwater scenery is even more spectacular. Scuba diving tops the list of must-do French Polynesia holiday activities, with Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine among the best places to try it out. Expect to be wowed by unforgettable encounters with sharks, rays and colourful reef fish.
Luxe or rustic
Nowhere does luxury like French Polynesia, a favourite haunt of A-list celebs trying to escape the paparazzi. Think glitzy five-star beach hotels, thatched restaurants suspended above the turquoise ocean and relaxing spa treatments. If you’re looking to holiday on the cheap or fancy a more authentic experience, though, then getting off the beaten track is as easy as hopping on a boat – try the coral atoll of Ahe or remote Raivave for unspoiled beauty and locally-run lodgings.
When to go
The best time to visit French Polynesia for guaranteed sunshine is May through to September, which is the driest time of year. Opt for August to October if whale watching is your priority, or September and October to see manta rays and hammerhead sharks in the Tuamotus.
If you’re wondering when to visit for the lowest prices, hotel rates peak in July and August and the cheapest time to travel is during the rainy season between November and March. Go for early November or late March to enjoy reliable weather along with the cheapest package deals.
Key events
A packed calendar of festivals is just one of the reasons to visit French Polynesia. Book a trip for early February to enjoy Chinese New Year, which is celebrated across the islands with music, dancing and street parades. Heiva i Tahiti in July is the biggest festival in the archipelago, featuring music and dance competitions, beauty pageants and food tastings.
Surfers congregate around Teahupoo lagoon in April and May to watch Billabong Pro, one of the world’s most prestigious surfing competitions.