Month guide · Tahiti · French Polynesia
Tahiti in May
What May is really like in Tahiti: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Teahupo'o, Tahiti · Photo: Saga70, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Tahiti. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 11.3 hours of daylight. The start of the drier season, with fewer showers, lower humidity and good diving visibility.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Tahiti
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Tahiti: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 30°C (86°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with April (31°C (88°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:15
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 17:32
- Daylight
- About 11.3 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Peak wet season (January–March). Hot and humid with heavy downpours and thunderstorms; waterfalls are full and prices are lower, but cyclones are possible.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Tahiti, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Tahiti Iti
Teahupo'o
Book a boat trip with a local operator for a safe viewing spot in the channel; from the shore the wave is a distant line of white water.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Active
Viewpoint · Tiarei
Arahoho Blowhole
On the coast road near Tiarei, waves rush into lava tubes and burst out of a blowhole with a loud whoosh, especially in a heavy swell.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
Garden · Papara and the south coast
Vaipahi Water Gardens
Walk the upper loop for a view over the lagoon, and combine the gardens with lunch on the south coast.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
Nature · Paea
Maraa Grotto
Beside the coast road in Paea, a short path leads to fern-hung caves with a still, cold pool reflecting the rock overhang.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Tahiti.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C (86°F), lows near 22°C (72°F) and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Tahiti?
One of the best months to visit Tahiti. The other best months are June–October. Compare every month.
Tahiti in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Tahiti in May?
At about 17:32 local time in mid-May, with sunrise at about 06:15: roughly 11.3 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Tahiti in May?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Tahiti in May?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.