# French Polynesia in November: Weather, Events & Travel Tips URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/when-to-go/november Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 French Polynesia in November: a gentle start to the wet season, the last whales, Matari’i i ni’a on November 20 and pre-holiday value on overwater stays. **Quick answer:** November starts French Polynesia’s warm, wet season, but usually gently: rainfall rises, humidity builds and highs reach the mid- to upper 80s °F, yet plenty of days stay sunny. The last humpback whales are leaving, and Matari’i i ni’a on November 20 celebrates the season of abundance. Outside Thanksgiving week, it’s a good-value month before the holiday rush. - Season: Early wet season (shoulder) - Typical weather: Warmer and more humid; highs in the mid- to upper 80s °F - Rainfall: Increasing, mostly as short showers - Crowds & pricing: Good value outside Thanksgiving week - Best islands this month: Moorea, Taha’a, Rangiroa - Don’t miss: Matari’i i ni’a celebrations, November 20 ## What is the weather like in French Polynesia in November? November is a transition month. Humidity rises, highs climb into the mid- to upper 80s °F and showers become more frequent, though long-term averages for Papeete show far less rain than December or January. Many days are mostly sunny, with a short afternoon downpour. Trade winds weaken, so seas are often calmer for boat transfers and diving. The cyclone season formally begins in November, but early-season storms are uncommon. ## What’s happening in French Polynesia in November? On November 20, Matari’i i ni’a, the rising of the Pleiades, marks the start of the season of abundance in the traditional Polynesian calendar. It became a public holiday in 2025, and Papeete celebrates with ceremonies and cultural events. November 1, All Saints’ Day, is a public holiday when families decorate graves with flowers. In some years the Hawaiki Nui Va’a canoe race falls in early November. The last humpback whales usually depart during the month, and Thanksgiving week brings a short burst of American visitors. ## Which islands are best in November? Moorea is an easy, good-value choice, with lagoon tours, beach villas and a chance of late-season whales early in the month. Taha’a suits couples who want quiet luxury before the holidays. Divers can head to Rangiroa, where calmer seas and warming water make Tiputa Pass inviting. To connect with the season’s cultural moment, read our guide to Polynesian culture and tattoo. ## How should you book a November trip? Outside Thanksgiving, four to six months ahead is usually enough, and resorts may run pre-holiday offers. Thanksgiving week is popular with US families, so book six to nine months out. Choose flexible rates as the wet season begins. If you want to see Matari’i i ni’a, check the November 20 program in Papeete before fixing your Tahiti nights. ## What should you pack for November? November’s mix of sun and showers calls for a few extras alongside our packing list: - Insect repellent as mosquito activity rises with the rain. - A waterproof phone pouch for boat days and sudden showers. - Light, breathable layers that dry quickly. - A flower crown or hei from the market for Matari’i celebrations. ## Best this month - **Moorea** (Society Islands · Easy value): Lagoon days, villas and a short ferry from Tahiti, with late whales early in the month. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/moorea - **Taha’a** (Society Islands · Quiet luxury): Pre-holiday calm on a vanilla-scented island. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/tahaa - **Rangiroa** (Tuamotu · Calm seas): Warming water and lighter winds for Tiputa Pass dives. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/rangiroa - **Polynesian culture and tattoo** (Experience · Matari’i i ni’a): Marae, museums and tatau in the season of abundance. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/experiences/polynesian-culture-and-tattoo - **Motu picnics** (Experience · Lagoon day): A classic lagoon tour, timed for the morning before afternoon showers. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/experiences/motu-picnics-and-lagoon-tours ## Frequently asked questions **Q: Is November a good time to visit French Polynesia?** A: Yes, for travelers who want value and warm water. November starts the wet season, but usually gently, with short showers between sunny spells. Demand is moderate outside Thanksgiving week, so overwater bungalows are easier to book. It’s also a meaningful cultural month, with Matari’i i ni’a celebrated on November 20. **Q: What is Matari’i i ni’a?** A: Matari’i i ni’a is the rising of the Pleiades, which in the traditional Polynesian calendar marks the start of the season of abundance. It falls on November 20 and became a public holiday in French Polynesia in 2025, replacing the June 29 holiday. Papeete holds ceremonies and cultural celebrations, a good chance to see living Polynesian traditions. **Q: Are there whales in French Polynesia in November?** A: A few. Humpback whales are present from roughly July to November, but by November most have begun the journey back to Antarctic waters. Early in the month you may still find whales off Moorea and Tahiti, though sightings are less reliable. If whales are a priority, travel between August and October instead. **Q: Is November cyclone season in French Polynesia?** A: Technically yes, since the season runs from about November to April, but the highest risk is December to March, and early-season storms are uncommon. Most November trips see warm, humid weather with short showers. Flexible bookings and travel insurance that covers weather disruption are still sensible for any wet-season trip. ## Sources - [Tahiti Tourisme: When to visit](https://www.tahititourisme.com/preparing-you-trip/when-to-visit-the-islands-of-tahiti/) - [Météo-France Polynésie](https://www.meteo.pf)