When is the best time to sail in Tahiti?

20 March 2024 5 min

The best time to sail around Tahiti is during the peak season which runs between May-October where you’ll have the unique opportunity to attend sailing races such as the Tahiti Pearl Regatta.

Boasting year-around trade winds, an abundance of beautiful marine life, a stunning volcanic landscape and crystal clear waters, a Tahitian yacht charter feels like stepping into paradise.

Whether you’re no stranger to uncovering the treasures of the South Pacific or this is your first time island hopping around French Polynesia, you’ll want to set sail at the best possible time of year to capture memories that last a lifetime.
In this blog, we’ll do a deep dive into the best time of year to go to Tahiti on a sailing charter. Whether you’re a fan of watersports or can’t wait to go on a romantic holiday as a couple, we’ve got you covered.

Best time of year to go to Tahiti on a family sailing holiday

Are you searching for the ultimate family holiday that your children talk about for the rest of their lives? With world-class scuba diving opportunities, perfect conditions for sailing and remote islands just waiting to be explored, French Polynesia is the ideal sailing destination for a family adventure to remember.

The best time to sail around Tahiti with your family is between May-October.

Why is this the best time to sail in Tahiti for families?

May-October marks the dry season in French Polynesia, which is generally considered to have the best sailing conditions.
Temperatures during the peak season range between 19-28 degrees, so you can look forward to sunbathing on the pristine beaches of Taha’a.
You have the opportunity to book your Tahiti charter during the School Summer Holidays, rather than taking your children out of school during term time. If your children aren’t yet of school age, or are older than school age, you can book your idyllic sailing holiday between May-June or September-October.
One of the best parts about going on a family holiday is making friends with other families also taking in the sensational sights of the South Pacific. As this is the peak season, it’s also the most popular time for families to visit.

Tahiti is similar to our Mediterranean destinations, such as Greece and Croatia, in that it’s the ideal Summer holiday spot. If you’re looking for a Winter sun escape, or want to spend Christmas abroad as a family, take a look at some of our Caribbean destinations such as the BVI, St Lucia and Antigua.

Best time to sail around Tahiti as a couple

Romantic strolls along golden beaches, exciting adventures exploring isolated islands, incredible cuisine that leaves your tastebuds dancing… Tahiti is a wonderland for couples.

Whether you’re planning your dream honeymoon in Bora Bora or looking for the ideal place to celebrate your retirement, we know you’ll fall in love with the enchanting islands of French Polynesia. So, when is the best time to visit Tahiti as a couple?

If you want to switch off from the world and enjoy a quiet, serene couples holiday, we think the best time to sail around Tahiti is outside of the high season:

May-June or September-October – These months are still within the peak season but outside of the high months where the islands are at their most popular. This means you’ll benefit from sunny skies, beautiful temperatures and smooth sailing conditions but with less people around.
November-April – These months are known as the wet season in Tahiti, which usually brings higher rainfall, temperatures and humidity. That being said, sailing conditions are still brilliant and costs are generally lower, so if you’re looking for a peaceful yacht charter without the crowds, this could be the best time to sail around Tahiti. No matter what time of year you set sail around Tahiti, ensure you read all the safety information in the ‘Tahiti useful information’ section before departing.

When is the best time to go to Tahiti if you love water sports?

French Polynesia is a very popular sailing destination as many of the incredible islands are miles and miles apart which means there’s more time to explore the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. It also means the islands of Tahiti are home to a selection of the world’s best scuba diving, snorkelling and water sports spots.

If you’re hoping to channel your inner adventurer during your yacht charter and uncover the underwater treasures that the South Pacific has to offer, you might be wondering about the best time to sail around Tahiti for world-class water sports opportunities.

The best time to visit Tahiti for water sports is between May-October.

Why is this the best time to sail around Tahiti if you love water sports?

May-October is the dry season in French Polynesia which means you can expect incredible sailing conditions, steady trade winds, crystal clear waters and warm temperatures.
The Tahiti Pearl Regatta takes place annually in May and is a fiercely fun event that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you take part in the sailing or cheer people on from the sidelines, it’s a must-attend event for all sailing lovers.

Whether you’re planning on scuba diving around coral reefs or swimming to secluded coves, you can expect to find all manner of marine life this time of year. From sharks and sea turtles to manta rays and angelfish, you’re in for a truly breathtaking underwater experience.

As you start planning your scuba diving excursions, it’s important to consider how to make the most of the exceptional waters without disrupting marine life or their environment. Find out more about sustainable travel and our top tips for eco-friendly sailing.

Best time of year to visit Tahiti for culture

Culture and tradition are incredibly important to Tahitians, and it’s a privilege to be able to experience just a small part of this during your sailing charter. To truly capture the essence of Tahitian culture, you might choose to book your French Polynesian yacht charter so that you can attend the celebrations of certain events or holidays throughout the year.

Some of the key cultural highlights include:

Heiva i Tahiti – The biggest annual festival, Heiva i Tahiti, takes place across two weeks and ends on Bastille Day. You can expect parades, music, dancing, sporting competitions, food tastings and so much more as all five archipelagos take part.
Tahiti Pearl Regatta – As we’ve previously mentioned, this is one of the most popular sailing regattas of the year.
Chinese New Year – Tahiti has a large Chinese population who celebrate the Lunar New Year in February. During this time, you’ll find streets lit with beautiful lanterns and an array of Chinese cultural performances.
Tahiti Carnival – Held annually in October in Papeete, you’ll enjoy a combination of vibrant colours, exquisite floats, brilliant dancing, joyous street parties and a parade which attracts 10,000 people every year.

If you have any questions about the best time to sail around Tahiti, or about booking your holiday, please contact us today.

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Now that you’ve decided when to visit Tahiti, it’s time to turn your dreams into reality by booking your French Polynesian yacht charter. Build a quote and start planning your Tahitian adventure today.