Part of French Polynesia
Quick answer
Reviewed · 3 min read
August is one of French Polynesia’s driest and coolest months, with sunny days in the mid-80s °F and nights near 70 °F. Humpback whale sightings pick up, big south swells pound Teahupo’o, where the WSL Championship Tour’s Tahiti Pro is typically held, and school holidays keep demand at its peak. Book early, pack a light layer and expect lively lagoons.
Researched and maintained by Empyrean Travel · How we research
- Season
- Peak dry season
- Typical weather
- Sunny with cool nights; highs in the mid-80s °F
- Rainfall
- Among the driest months
- Crowds & pricing
- Peak to mid-August, easing late in the month
- Best islands this month
- Tahiti Iti, Moorea, Bora Bora
- Don’t miss
- Humpbacks and big-wave season at Teahupo’o
Best this month
Surfing Teahupo’o
Experience · Tahiti Iti
Big south swells and, typically, the WSL Tahiti Pro.
ExploreHumpback whale watching
Experience · Season building
Sightings grow through August, with calves close to the reef.
ExploreMoorea
Society Islands · Whale base
Many accredited operators and whales a short ride from shore.
ExploreTahiti
Society Islands · Tahiti Iti coast
Sea cliffs, waterfalls and the famous wave at the end of the road.
ExploreBora Bora
Society Islands · Peak sunshine
Crystal-clear lagoon days; book well ahead for August.
Explore
What is August weather like in French Polynesia?
August and July are the coolest, driest months. Days are sunny with highs in the mid-80s °F, nights fall to around 70 °F and humidity is low. Rain is rare and short-lived.
Strong trade winds can still blow for days at a time, raising whitecaps outside the reef. The Austral Islands, where Rurutu is known for whale watching from shore, are distinctly cooler than Tahiti, so pack a warmer layer if you head south.
What’s happening in French Polynesia in August?
The World Surf League’s Tahiti Pro at Teahupo’o is typically held in August; in 2026 its window ran August 8–18. Even non-surfers can watch from boats in the channel, swell permitting. Our guide to surfing Teahupo’o explains how.
Humpback whales become more frequent through August, with mothers and calves resting in calmer water close to the reef. August 15, Assumption Day, is a public holiday, and European visitors swell numbers through the first half of the month.
Which islands are best in August?
Tahiti Iti is the place for surf and wild coastline: boat trips run past sea cliffs and waterfalls toward Teahupo’o. Moorea has many licensed whale-watching operators, often finding whales just outside the reef within a short boat ride.
Bora Bora is at its photogenic best under dry-season skies. If you’re adding a Tuamotu atoll, expect calm lagoons but occasionally lively pass conditions when the wind is up.
How should you book an August trip?
Book nine to twelve months ahead for the first half of August. The second half eases as European and American holidays wind down, and late August is a good compromise for dry weather with better availability.
During the Teahupo’o contest, the small lodges and pensions on Tahiti Iti fill quickly, so reserve early or stay on the west coast and drive. Whale outings with accredited operators should be booked a few days to weeks ahead; our humpback whale guide explains the rules.
What should you pack for August?
Plan for bright days and breezy nights:
- A light fleece for evenings and early boat departures.
- Binoculars or a zoom lens for whales and surf.
- Well-fitting mask and fins for in-water whale encounters with an operator.
- Reef-safe sunscreen; the winter sun is still intense.
Frequently asked questions
Is August a good time to visit French Polynesia?
When is the surf contest at Teahupo’o?
Is August whale season in French Polynesia?
Is French Polynesia crowded in August?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.