The Best Time to Travel to French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises

You can daydream about a cruise to the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, and beyond any time you want. But when you’re ready to start planning one, you might be wondering, “when is the best time to travel to French Polynesia?” (Spoiler alert: It’s every month of the year.) French Polynesia, which consists of 118 different islands and atolls that span a region about the size of Europe, has two main seasons. The dry season runs from May through October, and the wet season from November to April. Temperatures across the islands are pleasant all year, hovering in the 70s and 80s more or less. When it does rain, the showers are typically fleeting. It’s unequivocally a year-round paradise.

While the dry months—particularly June, July, August, and September—bring the most sunshine and lowest humidity, the wet season’s occasional sprinkles make way for lush landscapes and fewer crowds on land. Paul Gauguin Cruises, French Polynesia’s destination expert, sails these islands year-round while showcasing the magic and mystique that each season delivers. Because the best time to travel to French Polynesia means something different to everyone, we’ve highlighted what to expect for popular activities at different times of the year.

French Polynesia is just as captivating underwater as it is on land, with crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral gardens, and diverse marine life. As the only passenger ship in the region with a PADI certification dive program onboard, m/s Paul Gauguin gives guests a fast pass to explore this otherworldly aquatic playground. Whether you prefer to snorkel and marvel from above, or dive below the surface for a closer look, each season unlocks its own trove of treasures. Tropical fish, sea turtles, and other life can be seen year-round. In the dry season, you’ll have more days of high visibility due to less rain showers, which can temporarily reduce your ability to see farther than 100 feet. Meanwhile, the wet season still brings clear waters with warmer temperatures—and can also make for a more intimate experience, thanks to the fewer crowds.

Embracing mana in French Polynesia also involves connecting with its wildlife. The best way to encounter them is through tours led by guides that follow the region’s strict biosecurity protocols and local regulations. These tours get you as close as possible to the region’s majestic nature while ensuring its inhabitants remain protected and undisturbed. Wildlife can be spotted throughout the year, with some sightings being more opportune during specific months. For example, humpback whales generally migrate from June through November, even stretching into December as you get closer to the Marquesas islands. Seasonal whale watching is one of many Paul Gauguin Cruises’ shore excursions that immerse guests in French Polynesia’s ‘wild’ side—creating moments designed to take your breath away.

Family Adventures For families or groups traveling with children, the best time to travel to French Polynesia doesn’t change with the seasons. Paul Gauguin Cruises offers dedicated, family-friendly voyages in partnership with Te mana o te moana—the South Pacific’s leading marine conservation association—throughout the summer months and on holidays. The complimentary Moana Explorer Program, created especially for kids ranging from six to 15, is an extensive offering of hands-on, educational activities both on board and ashore. Led by Te mana o te moana naturalists, activities might include guided snorkeling, crafts that allow kids to make natural jewelry and design their own Polynesian tattoo, water experiments, and stargazing. Quit daydreaming. Find your perfect time of the year at pgcruises.com.