Planning a trip to Moorea? If yes, then it’s important to be aware of Moorea’s weather and seasons for the ultimate good times.
Moorea is a small beautiful island among the many other islands of French Polynesia. It welcomes travelers with warm weathers and exciting activities all year round.
Being a tropical island, Moorea experiences sudden and frequent rains. The weather remains warm throughout the year with average highs around 84°F (29°C) and lows around 71°F (22°C), which varies seasonally.
As for choosing the best time to visit Moorea, the weather may suit one type of person at certain times and another type at different times.
So to help you choose the right time, I’ve provided all the information about the different periods in Moorea based on various activities and conditions.
The best time to visit Moorea
The best overall time to visit Moorea is from May to October during the dry season. This is when the weather is pleasantly warm, humidity is low and the chances of rain are minimal, making it the ideal time for most tourists.
However, it’s important to note that the number of tourists also goes up during these months, leading to increased prices. But if you plan your visit at the beginning or end of the season (April or November), you can dodge some of that.
Seasons in Moorea
There are mainly two seasons in Moorea:
- Dry Season
- Wet Season
Moorea in Dry Season
The winter season of Moorea also referred to as the dry season lasts for 6 months from May to October. During this period, the weather tends to cool down a bit with an average temperature of about 80°F (27°C).
The main concern for most tourists is the rain, which also gets resolved during this season. Most days in these months are clear with wispy clouds.
But when packing for Moorea for this season, don’t forget to include an umbrella in your bag. Because you’d still get rain, not like the rainy season but some sudden rain showers.
The average number of rainy days per month during the dry season is less than a week. Usually, it’s a sudden rain that lasts for 10-15 minutes or more and then clears up. But in rare cases, it can rain the whole day which can ruin your plans.
Moorea in Wet Season
The summer season of Moorea also known as the wet season spans from November to April. During this time of year, the weather tends to be rainier and temperatures are on the higher side averaging at around 84°F (29°C).
Humidity also rises which then increases the urge for air conditioning. The good thing about being on the island is the presence of constant trade winds and water all around, so you can take a refreshing dip and cool down anytime.
While the hot weather of this season isn’t usually a problem for most tourists, the real challenge is the rain.
But you should not hold yourself back because of rain. It’s not like it’s raining all the time, though you’ll experience more frequent showers than the dry season. On average, the wet season has 10 days of rain per month.
When is the wettest time in Moorea?
The wettest months in Moorea are from December to February which fall in the wet season. In these months, the risk of precipitation increases to over 60% with an average of 304 mm of monthly rainfall.
This is the period when it can rain for an entire day or even a whole week restricting everyone indoors with not much to do. And it’s not just the rain, sometimes there are thunderstorms that make the situation even more challenging.
However, it’s not all bad. If you can survive the rainy days, you’ll have some clear days with little to no clouds. Plus, you can take advantage of cheap prices on the island which hit their lowest during these months.
Busiest time of Moorea
As soon as the dry season begins, the number of tourists also starts to rise. Moorea’s busiest time is from June to August, when not only international tourists but also many locals from Tahiti coming to the island.
That’s because the weather becomes really nice and traditional holidays in French Polynesia take place during this time, which results in increased crowds not only on Moorea but also on other neighboring islands in this archipelago.
Even though these are the busiest months of the year, Moorea won’t feel overly crowded. Keep in mind that it’s the peak season, so be prepared for higher prices.
Best time to visit Moorea for smaller crowds
If you visit Moorea in the wet season, you’ll see a few tourists around. But the absolute best months for smaller crowds are November, March, and April. November is the beginning of the wet season with temperatures and rainfall gradually increasing. March and April are when you are coming out of the rainiest period and transitioning into the dry season.
By choosing these months, you can avoid not only the crowds but also the frequent rains. Additionally, you can take advantage of lower rates.
Inexpensive time to fly to Moorea
The most affordable time to travel to Moorea is between December and April. This is the time when flights, food, and accommodations prices tend to drop which allows tourists to enjoy their trip without worrying too much about budget.
However, there’s a reason you can find things on the island at a fraction of the cost, and that’s the bad weather. These months fall in the wet season (off-season) when the weather is hotter and the chances of rain increase.
Expensive time to travel to Moorea
June to September is the most expensive period of Moorea as it marks the peak season. With the weather becoming more favorable and a notable increase in tourists, prices across the island also tend to surge during this period.
However, budget-conscious people need to worry. You can still experience the island in this high time by exploring some budget-friendly options.
When to go for honeymoon in Moorea?
If you’re thinking of a honeymoon in Moorea, then the best time to go is during the shoulder season from April to May and October to November. This is when the weather is warm and crowds are quiet, creating an ideal atmosphere for couples to enjoy their time on the island.
The prices during these periods are also not too high, due to that you could book better hotels, restaurants, and activities to enhance your honeymoon experience.
Best time to go whale watching in Moorea
Whale watching in Moorea is best from August to November which is mostly the dry season. Many whales travel from Antarctica to breed in the Pacific around Moorea during these months, which gives a unique opportunity to see them in action.
You will find many whale tour operators on Moorea island who can help you in spotting whales and even get you right up close for a swim with them.
Even though this is in the dry season, you should watch out for weather as bad weather can put whales off and reduce your chances of seeing them. So, book tours only when the weather looks good.
When to Visit Moorea for Snorkeling?
You can go snorkeling at any time in Moorea, but the best experience is during the dry season when the weather is good, and the water becomes more visible with average temperatures around 80°F.
You’ll encounter less rain and mostly clear days with some clouds. This means more sunshine, leading to better visibility underwater.
There are many tour operators available on the island who can help you with this activity. You can also snorkel on your own at various snorkeling spots around Moorea.
Best time to go Hiking
The best time to hike in Moorea is during the dry season when the weather is a bit cooler and humidity is low, which makes hiking more enjoyable.
Moreover, there is low rainfall during this time which means there won’t be slippery trails. Hence you can go hiking without the worry of being turned away.
If you’re hiking Moorea at other times, you can still do that but you should know that it’ll be hot and humid. Rainfall also gets increased which can disturb your hiking schedule.
When not to visit Moorea?
There’s truly no bad time to visit the island of Moorea, every period has its pros and cons. If I had to choose, I’d say the wettest period is the least favorable. It’s the time that most people should avoid and perhaps consider adjusting their plans to different months.
Above, I’ve covered all the details about different times to visit Moorea in the article, so by reading through, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect time for your visit to the island.
Answers to the questions you might have
Is Moorea worth it?
Yes absolutely, it’s worth every penny and time you spend here and you won’t even regret it.
Is Moorea safe?
Moorea is a completely safe island as the majority of the French Polynesian islands are. Crime rate is very low, it’s a very safe destination for travelers.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, you can drink tap water on most parts of the Moorea but it’s better to double-check with your accommodator. If you are health conscious, you can buy bottled water which isn’t much pricey.
How many days do you need in Moorea?
I’d say 5 to 7 days are more than enough for this small island if you don’t want to get bored.
