The climate of Moorea-Maiao
Moorea-Maiao, situated in the
French Polynesia, is a demonstration of a tropical paradise with a notable Köppen climate classification of Af, which points to a tropical rainforest climate. This designation is characterized by consistently high temperatures and ample year-round rainfall. A look at the climatic parameters reveals a tightly bound temperature regime, with the high monthly temperatures varying from 28°C (82.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and the lows fluctuating between 22°C (71.6°F) and 25°C (77°F).
Transition in temperature throughout the year is minimal for Moorea-Maiao. Neither extreme cold nor scorching heat waves are prevalent due to the latitude it is located at. The maximum temperature peaks at 31°C (87.8°F) in
March, with a decrease towards 28°C (82.4°F) from
June to
October. This slightly tepid period coincides with the lean season for rainfall. Seawater temperature, however, offers slight relief, with temperatures ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
One cannot discuss the weather in Moorea-Maiao without highlighting the significant rainfall. This tropical paradise receives enormous volumes of rain throughout the year. Quantitatively speaking, rainfall varies from a monthly average low of 53mm (2.09") in
August to a significant high of 307mm (12.09") in
January. It's worthy to note that the number of rainfall days also follows a similar pattern. January tops the list with a yearly high of 17 days of precipitation, while from
May to October, the rainfall days drop to less than half of that count.
The best time to visit Moorea-Maiao
The best time to visit
Moorea-Maiao would ideally be the period from
May to
October. During these months, the island witnesses a relatively dry period, with lower average rainfall amounts ranging from 53mm (2.09") to 96mm (3.78"). Though the temperature decreases, the drop is insignificant and lends itself to comfortable, warm weather, with highs hovering around 28°C (82.4°F). The added bonus is the constant daylight hours peaking up to 11.5 hours, providing ample time for outdoor explorations and activities.
The worst time to visit Moorea-Maiao
The months of
January,
February, and
March might be more challenging for visitors due to high rainfall - monthly averages reach 307mm (12.09"), 234mm (9.21"), and 195mm (7.68"), respectively. The increased number of rainfall days means less sunshine and higher humidity, which might not be comfortable for some travelers. While the temperature remains consistently high during these months, the dampness and potential of rain can constrain outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Moorea-Maiao
For
Moorea-Maiao, spring, which occurs in
September-
November, offers mild weather conditions. Temperatures average between 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall begins to rise from an average of 54mm (2.13") in September, peaking at 174mm (6.85") by November. While the increase in rainfall might seem substantial, the number of rainfall days is lower than the rest of the year, making it an ideal time for visitors.
Summer weather in Moorea-Maiao
In
Moorea-Maiao, summer spans
December to
February. During these months, the island experiences high temperatures and high rainfall - a marking feature of its tropical monsoon climate. Average high temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F) while rainfall reaches a hefty average of 294mm (11.57") to 307mm (12.09"). Despite these high precipitation values, the region still enjoys reasonably good sunlight, with daylight hours ranging from 12.7 hours to 13.2 hours.
Autumn weather in Moorea-Maiao
The autumn months -
March to
May - in
Moorea-Maiao are characterized by a decrease in rainfall from 195mm (7.68") in March to 99mm (3.9") by May. This period witnesses a decrease in both temperature and UV Index. The high temperatures drop from a yearly high of 31°C (87.8°F) in March to a more moderate 29°C (84.2°F) in May. Meanwhile, the UV Index falls from 12 in March to 8 by May, indicating less direct sunlight.
Winter weather in Moorea-Maiao
From
June to
August,
Moorea-Maiao experiences winter, which might not align with conventional notions of winter due to the tropical rainforest climate. Temperatures remain balmy, ranging between 28°C (82.4°F) for high and 22°C (71.6°F) for low throughout these months. The island witnesses the least amount of rainfall during this season with a monthly rainfall volume of 65mm (2.56") in June, dropping further down to 53mm (2.09") in August. This period also sees the shortest daylight hours, from 11.2 hours in June to a minimum of 11.1 hours in
July.
Weather in January
The tropical weather in
Moorea-Maiao French Polynesia sets in as
January begins. Being the first month of the year, it establishes the pattern for the rest of the year with robust afternoon showers that result in a recorded average of 307mm (12.09") of rainfall.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February weather in
Moorea-Maiao sees a slight decrease in certain climatic attributes compared to
January. During this month, rainfall volume decreases, while temperatures and sea levels remain relatively similar to the preceding month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Moorea-Maiao showcases a continuation of the island's tropical weather pattern with a slight upward variation of temperature to a warmth that reaches 31°C (87.8°F) at its peak. While water temperatures remain warm and inviting, daylight hours decrease a bit, yet still permit enough time for outdoor experiences.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moorea-Maiao’s weather in
April indicates the onset of the transition into the drier season, with rainfall decreasing to 147mm (5.79") on average. The daylight hours decrease a bit more, providing slightly less natural light for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Moorea-Maiao sees an additional decrease in both temperature and rainfall. The gradual transition from the higher rainfall months continues, and the island begins to enter the drier season. May’s climates, hence, are characterized by warm, sunny days with less frequency of rain, making it great for outdoor tourism.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June weather in
Moorea-Maiao stands out for its notable drop in rain, with an average of 69mm (2.72") making it one of the driest months. Correspondingly, both the temperature and the sea warmth retreat slightly, marking the arrival of the winter season in
French Polynesia.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the pattern of reduced rainfall, making it the driest month in
Moorea-Maiao with an average rainfall of 65mm (2.56"). Alongside, the drop in sea temperatures and UV index is most noticeable. The decrease in temperature, however, still allows for comfortable exploration of natural and marine resources.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The trend of dry weather extends to
August in
Moorea-Maiao, with a continued drop in rainfall and temperature, all the while maintaining ample daylight hours for outdoor activities. This month, the least amount of rain falls on the island, aiding in the enjoyment of terrestrial excursions.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees the weather in
Moorea-Maiao start to take a subtle turn, as there is a slight increase in rainfall while the temperatures and UV index remain steady. This transition signifies the end of the drier months and the approach of the more humid part of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Moorea-Maiao enters
October, there is a noticeable increase in rainfall, signifying the return of the wet season. Temperature and sea warmth, however, keep their steady course, providing consistently desirable conditions for water-based activities.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Moorea-Maiao's weather in
November shows another surge in rainfall, almost doubling from
October to 174mm (6.85"), forecasting the start of the monsoon season. At the same time, the temperature and daylight hours start to increase, offering a near-perfect balance of climatic conditions for tourism.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Moorea-Maiao witnesses the trend of the past month continue with the highest rainfall of 294mm (11.57") for the year, signifying the peak of the wet season. Even so, the temperature and sea warmth climb higher, offering inviting conditions for beach lovers and marine enthusiasts.
Weather in December »