Moorea has a warm tropical climate year-round: 24 to 30 °C depending on the month. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the wet season from November to April. The “rainy season” may sound daunting, but you’ll be surprised by what it’s really like. The showers are brief (averaging 30–45 minutes). It rarely rains all day, and by the end, the island empties of tourists and the lagoon water warms to 27–29 °C. Ideal for snorkeling or just to relax.
Moorea's Climate Month by Month
| Month | Daytime Temperature | Water Temperature | Precipitation | Sunshine | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29–30 °C | 28–29 °C | High | ~6 a.m. | Damp |
| February | 29–30 °C | 28–29 °C | High | ~6 a.m. | Damp |
| March | 29 °C | 28 °C | Moderate | ~6 a.m. | Damp |
| April | 28 °C | 27 °C | Moderate | ~7 a.m. | Damp |
| May | 27 °C | 26 °C | Low | ~7 a.m. | Dry |
| June | 26 °C | 25–26 °C | Very low | ~7 a.m. | Dry |
| July | 25–26 °C | 25 °C | Very low | ~8 a.m. | Dry |
| August | 26 °C | 25–26 °C | Very low | ~8 a.m. | Dry |
| September | 27 °C | 26 °C | Low | ~7 a.m. | Dry |
| October | 28 °C | 27 °C | Low | ~7 a.m. | Dry |
| November | 29 °C | 27–28 °C | Moderate | ~6 a.m. | Damp |
| December | 29–30 °C | 28–29 °C | Moderate | ~6 a.m. | Damp |
Sources: meteo.pf · Tahiti Tourisme. View the precipitation map and real-time on meteo.pf
The dry season: cool, clear, and very crowded
This is the time of year everyone looks forward to, when temperatures drop slightly: 25 to 28 °C during the day, with lows around 20 °C at night. There’s little rain, and the days are filled with sunshine.
It’s peak season. Flights from Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux fill up weeks in advance. Hotels are fully booked. Rates are skyrocketing, but the weather is more pleasant for many people, especially when compared to mainland France, where temperatures soar at this time of year.
The hot, green, and—above all—quieter rainy season
Between November and April, a whole new side of the island is revealed. Temperatures rise to 28–30 °C. Humidity increases. It rains more, but not as much as the term “rainy season” might suggest. At times, the rain may last for several days, but generally, showers last 30 to 45 minutes, often in the morning or late afternoon. The rest of the day remains sunny.
The island is green, the vegetation is lush, and fruit is plentiful. The water in the lagoon is 27–29 °C. And there are far fewer people.
What They Don't Tell You About the Rainy Season in Moorea
The rainy season does exist in a meteorological sense, but it’s nothing like what you might think.
It’s true: it rains more between November and April. Precipitation increases. There may be thunderstorms, sometimes severe but brief.
What’s wrong: the idea that it rains all day, every day.
Here’s what the weather is like in December in Moorea: overcast skies in the morning, a 45-minute shower around 9 a.m., and bright sunshine the rest of the day. Temperature: 29 °C. Water temperature: 28 °C. This lets you fully enjoy the lagoon, excursions, and hikes
While Strasbourg and Lille experience their first frosts in November, Moorea is at 29 °C and the lagoon water reaches 28 °C. Objectively speaking, the Polynesian “off-season” is better than the “high season” in many European countries.
The catch that nobody tells you about: flights after 5 p.m.
That’s the most common mistake we see. And it costs you a night’s sleep.
Ferry service between Tahiti and Moorea is not permitted at night. The last ferry departs from Papeete in the late afternoon, around 5:00–5:30 p.m., depending on the day (check for seasonal variations).
The classic scenario: A guest books a stay in Moorea for a Tuesday. Their flight lands in Tahiti at 6 p.m. The last ferry has already left. The result: a night in a hotel in Papeete, a wasted night in Moorea, and a rough start to the trip.
A good tip: Check your flight’s arrival time at Tahiti-Faa’a before booking your first few nights on the island. If you land after 5 p.m., plan to spend the night in Papeete. You’ll take the boat the next morning, well-rested, as the sun rises over the lagoon.
A couple arrives in Tahiti at 6 p.m., proud of having “perfectly timed their arrival.” They head for the harbor, sprinting with their wheeled suitcases… only to watch the last boat glide leisurely toward Moorea—without them.
Verdict: a surprise overnight stay in Papeete, a consolatory mojito, and a lesson learned: in Moorea, the boat doesn’t wait for optimistic tourists! The next day, the first ferry, sunrise over the lagoon… and a story to tell for the rest of the trip!
What is the water temperature in Moorea?
The water around Moorea stays between 25 and 29 °C all year round. You can go in the water without shivering, no matter the season.
- Dry season (May–October): 25 to 27 °C
- Rainy season (November–April): 27 to 29 °C
Underwater visibility remains good year-round, ranging from 20 to 30 meters depending on the dive site. A wetsuit is not required. And the water is warmest… during the rainy season.
What should you pack depending on the season?
Dry season (May–October):
- Lightweight cotton clothing (for days when the temperature is 25–28 °C)
- A sweater or a light jacket for the evenings (minimum temperature of 20–21 °C)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen—the sun is strong even on dry days
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking
Rainy season (November–April):
- Very light clothing (temperatures of 28–30 °C)
- A lightweight raincoat for morning showers
- Quick-drying sandals
- Mosquito repellent for evenings (or light, flowing pants)
The two seasons don’t fundamentally change what goes into a suitcase. The real difference comes down to a single item: the raincoat.
Weather and Activities: When to Do What?
| Activity | Best time of year | Available year-round? |
|---|---|---|
| Lagoon and Snorkeling | Year-round | Yes |
| Diving | Year-round | Yes |
| Hiking | Dry season (less slippery trails) | Yes, with caution |
| Whale Watching | August through October | No |
| Boat Tour | Year-round | Yes |
| Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding | Year-round | Yes |
Whale watching is the only truly seasonal activity. The whales are around from August through October, and sometimes even into November. Outside of this window, it’s impossible to see them. As for everything else, the weather in Moorea doesn’t get in the way.
Check the meteo.pf forecasts the day before a boat trip. A late-afternoon thunderstorm may cut the trip short, but operators anticipate this and adjust the schedules accordingly.
Should you avoid Moorea during the rainy season?
The real question isn’t “Is it raining?” It’s “Does that ruin the trip?” And the answer is no, as long as you know what to expect.
- What you earn during the off-season:
- 20–30% off accommodations
- Fewer people on lagoon tours
- A greener island, brighter colors, more fruit (and yes, that’s important!)
- The warmest water of the year (27 to 29 °C)
What you must agree to:
- A few hours of rain during the day, often in the morning
- Short, sometimes violent thunderstorms, but they pass in less than an hour
- A low but real risk of hurricanes from November through April
About Cyclone Risk : Moorea is located in the risk zone from November through April. Direct cyclones affecting the Society Islands remain rare. Follow weather forecasts on meteo.pf and alerts issued by Météo France Polynésie during your stay.
Last January, a couple was hesitant to book, worried about spending their vacation in the rain. Eventually won over by lower rates, they enjoyed turquoise lagoons under bright sunshine, punctuated by brief tropical showers, followed by rainbows over the bay. Upon check-out: “We were expecting the worst, but we got breathtaking sunsets and the feeling that we had the island all to ourselves!”
FAQ: Weather in Moorea
What's the weather like in Moorea in December and January?
Hot and humid: 28 to 30 °C during the day, with lows around 23 °C. There are occasional showers, especially in the morning. The rest of the day is often sunny. The water temperature is 28–29 °C. Both months are part of the wet season but remain pleasant for a beach vacation.
When is the rainy season in Moorea?
From November through April. Rainfall increases, but showers are brief—usually lasting 1 to 2 hours. It doesn’t rain all day. The vegetation is denser, the water is warmer, and the island is less crowded.
What is the water temperature in Moorea?
Temperatures range from 25 to 29 °C year-round. The sea is warmest from November through April (27 to 29 °C)—right in the middle of the rainy season. You can go in the water without a wetsuit any time of year.
Does it rain a lot in Moorea?
What is the best season in Moorea in terms of weather?
May through October for the driest weather and the coolest temperatures (25–28 °C). July and August are the sunniest months. November through April offers warmer water, fewer crowds, and lower prices—a great alternative if you’re flexible with your dates.
Book your room and save 30%
If you visit during the rainy season, you can save up to 30% on room rates
