French Polynesia enjoys a privileged tropical climate, sheltered from extreme phenomena. Temperatures rarely exceed 32°C, and tropical storms and cyclones are rare.

Average temperatures: Air 27°C – Lagoon 26°C. The Pacific trade winds offer very pleasant temperatures all year round. From November to March, the climate is warmer and more humid, with rain a little more frequent in November and December. Most of these are tropical rains, which resemble “intense showers” but are short-lived. From April to October, the season is drier and “cooler”, with temperatures in the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas islands rarely dipping below 25°C.
July and August, the tourist season, are the coolest months in French Polynesia.

In the Marquesas, the dry season extends from August to December. Thanks to the absence of mountains, the Tuamotu atolls are little affected by heavy rains. The high islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea benefit from a microclimate, as their eastern coasts are exposed to the trade winds. The east coasts are therefore more prone to rain than the more sheltered west coasts.

In French Polynesia, medical infrastructure and care are of a high standard.
The most modern facilities are located in Tahiti and concentrated in Papeete. Public hospitals are also available in each archipelago.

In case of emergency, doctors, dentists and paramedical services are available on all the main islands 24/7.
In the event of a serious accident, medical evacuations are organized by the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, with logistical support from local airlines and French army planes and helicopters based in Papeete. Coordination is organized between these private and public services to ensure 24/7 medical availability.

Safety in Tahiti and the islands:
There are no particular safety issues to be noted in Polynesia, apart from the usual advice of caution, which would apply just as much here as on the Champs Elysées or in Time Square.

Light clothing :
Polynesia has a very mild climate, so summer clothes and beachwear are a must. To protect yourself from the sun, you’ll need sunglasses, sun cream and hats…
Don’t forget to pack a woollen jacket for the cooler evenings from June to August, especially if you’re staying in the hills or on a boat.

Don’t load up on shoes :
Everyone takes off their shoes before entering a house or bungalow, so prefer flip-flops (known here as “savates”) to the traditional pair of shoes and socks. If necessary, you’ll find some very nice ones on site.

Light “discovery” equipment :
You don’t need heavy equipment to enjoy all the charms of Tahiti and Her Islands, but you do need to think about the essentials.
Shoes for walking in the water will be welcome on the beaches, often lined with coral, or during the various excursions to the reefs.
Don’t forget, too, that Polynesia offers some wonderful hikes, so it would be a shame not to pack suitable footwear ! For 4×4 excursions, sports shoes (running type) are all you need to access the viewpoints and activities.
To discover the unique underwater riches of the lagoons, a mask and snorkel are all you need. However, there’s no need to burden yourself with unnecessary equipment, as most accommodations lend this out.

or cruisers, don’t forget to pack clothes that protect you from rain and wind.

Mosquito protection :
Last but not least, don’t let mosquitoes spoil your trip – think repellent! No anti-malaria treatment is required.

All goods must be declared and the corresponding tax paid at the
customs office.

Detailed information is available at www.douane.gouv.fr.

The following goods are prohibited without prior authorization: domestic animals, live animals, animal products or products of animal origin, plants, plant products or any other product subject to phytosanitary control, cultural goods (works of art, collectors’ items or antiques), medicines,
weapons (of any kind), communications and telephony equipment, which require import authorization.

The following goods are admitted duty-free:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
• 2 liters of alcohol, wine or champagne
• 1 bottle of perfume (50g) or 1 quart of eau de toilette
• 500 grams of coffee – 100 grams of tea