Tahiti has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (May to October) brings cooler temperatures (23–27°C), lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. This is the recommended time for most visitors — conditions are comfortable, the roads are passable, and hiking trails are not waterlogged. July is the peak month: the Heiva i Tahiti festival brings weeks of traditional Polynesian dance competitions, outrigger canoe races, javelin throwing, and cultural celebrations throughout Papeete and the island.
The wet season (November to April) is hot, humid, and prone to heavy rain and occasional cyclones. Temperatures reach 30–33°C with high humidity. Cyclones are rare but possible; when they hit, they can be destructive. That said, many visitors come in the wet season without problems — the rains are often predictable afternoon storms rather than day-long downpours. The landscape is lush and spectacularly green.
Surf at Teahupo'o is best from May to August when consistent south and southwest swells arrive from the Southern Ocean. The Billabong Pro professional surfing competition typically runs in August.
Diving and snorkelling in the lagoon is year-round. The clearest visibility tends to be in the dry season. Whale-watching season for humpbacks is July to November, when mothers and calves are regularly seen in the lagoon.
French Polynesia's school holidays (synchronised roughly with the French school calendar) bring a surge of domestic tourism in July and August. International tourist numbers peak at the same time. Outside July–August, the island is noticeably quieter.