How's the weather?

I am thinking of going to Tahiti, Bora Bora next February. I see weather reports for the last week and next where there are thunderstorms every day. Do they last long, affect what you can do or do they come and go, no big deal? I like going south in February but maybe May or October would be better.

If you check out wunderground.com you can find out what the weather has been like for quite a few past years. While not a forecast for next February, it will let you see what the weather pattern has been. With some areas it will show hour by hour so you can see how long the rains last - I'm not sure Tahiti has such detail but you will still get a good idea of what it was like. Unfortunately, these days the weather everywhere is pretty unpredictable! Hope this helps!

May or October and particularly the months in between are far better times to visit Tahiti as its the dry season

Thanks for your replies. I see thunderstorms predicted for the next 10 days there. I think I'll try in the dry season!

Spent 2 weeks on a cruise: Tahiti and among the Polynesian islands, like Bora Bora and Moorea. I didn't realize that these months are not only the rainy season but that the weather can be horrendous. These are not just the odd tropical shower but often real, sustained downpours. Definitely not good cruising weather. Shame on me for not checking ahead of time.

#4, thanks for the first-hand account. I was in Vanuatu in February a few years ago for a week - great weather. Then went to Fiji for 2 weeks and weather was great Went back to Vanuatu for a week and there was a very slow-moving cyclone over the island, bringing constant rain. Made a big difference.

When was your cruise, Kathie?

The last half of January. Those I checked with AFTER the cruise confirmed that there is a prolonged rainy season at that time of year. Good news: rolling green mountains and hills.... so things are somewhat less lush later in the year. I bought the Lonely Planet guide to Tahiti & Fr. Polynesia after the trip to fill in some gaps. From now on I know to buy the guide before I make the reservations! It comments that May thru October are the best months for most islands but expect tropical showers throughout the year. The book breaks down the weather by island and time of year.

Thanks for solidifying it for us, Kathie. We do have some latitude with our schedules and we could make either Feb or May happen, so the decision is made....May!

I appreciate your input. Did you happen to visit the Marquesas? I am having harder time finding info about them....but now I have longer to work on it!

I'm so glad that helped. No, I haven't been to the Marquesas although I discovered an interesting ship that goes there, I believe, and to some of the lesser-known island groups. I just check my Lonely Planet Guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia. There is a section on the Marquesas. ( And, no, I have no association with Lonely Planet aside from participating on this site.) I hope you'll post/send me some pics from your trip.

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