Part of French Polynesia
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Reviewed · 3 min read
October is the last month of French Polynesia’s dry season and one of its best-kept secrets: still mostly sunny, slowly warming, with highs in the mid- to upper 80s °F, and much quieter than midsummer. Humpback whales are still around, and the Hawaiki Nui Va’a outrigger canoe race crosses the Leeward Islands in late October or early November. It’s an excellent shoulder month.
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- Season
- End of the dry season
- Typical weather
- Mostly sunny, warming; highs in the mid- to upper 80s °F
- Rainfall
- Low early, rising late in the month
- Crowds & pricing
- Shoulder season with good availability
- Best islands this month
- Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora
- Don’t miss
- Hawaiki Nui Va’a (late Oct or early Nov)
Best this month
Huahine
Society Islands · Race start
Watch the Hawaiki Nui Va’a set off, then explore Maeva’s marae.
ExploreRaiatea
Society Islands · Sacred island
Taputapuātea and a front-row seat to the race’s middle stages.
ExploreTaha’a
Society Islands · Shared lagoon
Vanilla farms, motu resorts and paddlers racing across the lagoon.
ExploreBora Bora
Society Islands · Race finish
Celebrations at Matira, plus shoulder-season overwater availability.
ExploreHumpback whale watching
Experience · Late season
Mothers and calves before they head south.
Explore
What is October weather like in French Polynesia?
Early October feels like the dry season at its most relaxed: sunny, lighter winds and comfortable nights. As the month goes on, humidity creeps up, temperatures inch toward the upper 80s °F and the first wet-season showers return, usually short and in the afternoon.
The lagoon warms again, and the calmer winds make for smooth boat transfers. Our best time to visit guide explains why October and May are the favorite shoulder months.
What’s happening in French Polynesia in October?
The Hawaiki Nui Va’a, French Polynesia’s great outrigger canoe race, crosses the Leeward Islands over three days: Huahine to Raiatea, a stage inside the lagoon Raiatea shares with Taha’a, then Taha’a to Bora Bora’s Matira Beach. It’s usually held in late October or early November; the 2026 edition is scheduled for October 28–30.
Humpback whales are still present, often mothers with well-grown calves preparing for the journey south. Visitor numbers are moderate, which makes this a calm month on lagoon tours.
Which islands shine in October?
The Leeward Islands are the place to be. Huahine hosts the race start, with crowds along the shore; Raiatea and Taha’a offer the mid-race stages and quiet resorts; and Bora Bora celebrates the finish at Matira.
Moorea remains a strong base for the last of the whale season, and its trails are still dry for hiking early in the month.
How should you book an October trip?
Six months ahead is usually enough for October, except around the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, when lodging on Huahine and inter-island flights fill with teams and supporters. If you want to follow the race, book rooms and flights as soon as dates are confirmed.
October is ideal for a Leeward Islands loop of Huahine, Taha’a and Bora Bora. Our island-hopping guide explains multi-island air passes.
What should you pack for October?
October packing is light, with a nod to the coming rain:
- A compact umbrella or rain shell for late-month showers.
- Binoculars for watching the canoe race from shore.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for long days on the water.
- A light layer for breezy evenings early in the month.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit French Polynesia?
What is the Hawaiki Nui Va’a?
Are there still whales in French Polynesia in October?
Does the rainy season start in October?
Official sources
Rules, fees and schedules change — confirm the latest details at the source before you travel.