A first-time guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia

05.12.2024 - 11:57 / lonelyplanet.com / Bora Bora

Dec 4, 2024 • 9 min read

With its gorgeous tropical islands, cerulean lagoons and a vibrant, community-oriented culture, French Polynesia is the kind of travel destination daydreams are made of. It’s located in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Australia and the US, and is made up of 121 islands divided into five archipelagos. Tahiti is the main island and home to the capital city, Papeete.

Despite its reputation as a luxury destination – with spots like Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows famously catering to honeymooners – French Polynesia is now more accessible than ever before, thanks to frequent flights from the US mainland and the arrival of budget airlines such as French Bee. 

So whether you prefer high-end luxury on a private island, shopping at Papeete’s fresh food market or hiking to a hidden waterfall, there’s something for everyone. The hardest part? Deciding which islands to visit.

Even though I live here and have been lucky enough to explore the islands, I’m always amazed at how different and unique every island and atoll is. For me though, it’s not the beaches or the landscapes that make this place magic, it's the genuine warmth and generosity of the people that live here.

French Polynesia enjoys a tropical climate and temperatures hover around 25–30°C (77–86°F) year-round. There are only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season or “hot and hotter.” 

The dry season, from May to October, is when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. The wet season, which runs from November to April, is when you should expect more heavy downpours, humidity and an increased risk of cyclones. In Tahiti, this season is known as matari’i i ni’a (the “season of abundance”) and it is welcomed joyously with ceremonies and dance.

Being an island nation, there is incredible marine life here: the whale watching season runs from July to November, while the Tuamotu archipelago might be the world’s top destination to dive with hammerhead sharks from December to March. Meanwhile, July to November is the best time to swim or dive with manta rays.

June through August are the busiest months for tourism in French Polynesia, and coincide with the islands’ biggest cultural festival, the Heiva, and other major events such as the Tahiti Billabong Pro. Budget travelers may find cheaper prices traveling during the low season, with September through November also having generally good weather.

After flying all the way to French Polynesia, you should spend at least five days here at a minimum. It’s enough time to explore one or two islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora, take in the most scenic spots (such as Teahupoo or Matira Beach) and get a taste of the local culture with a traditional dance show, for example. But