# French Polynesia in October: Weather, Events & Travel Tips URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/when-to-go/october Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 French Polynesia in October: the last dry-season month, humpback whales, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a canoe race, shoulder-season value and booking advice. **Quick answer:** 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. - 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) ## 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. ## Best this month - **Huahine** (Society Islands · Race start): Watch the Hawaiki Nui Va’a set off, then explore Maeva’s marae. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/huahine - **Raiatea** (Society Islands · Sacred island): Taputapuātea and a front-row seat to the race’s middle stages. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/raiatea - **Taha’a** (Society Islands · Shared lagoon): Vanilla farms, motu resorts and paddlers racing across the lagoon. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/tahaa - **Bora Bora** (Society Islands · Race finish): Celebrations at Matira, plus shoulder-season overwater availability. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/bora-bora - **Humpback whale watching** (Experience · Late season): Mothers and calves before they head south. — https://emptvl.vercel.app/french-polynesia/experiences/humpback-whale-watching ## Frequently asked questions **Q: Is October a good time to visit French Polynesia?** A: Yes. October offers late dry-season weather, humpback whales and the Hawaiki Nui Va’a canoe race, with far fewer visitors than July or August. Humidity rises toward the end of the month, and occasional showers return, but most days are sunny. It’s one of the best-value months for overwater bungalows. **Q: What is the Hawaiki Nui Va’a?** A: The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is French Polynesia’s most famous outrigger canoe race, held over three days in late October or early November. Teams of paddlers race from Huahine to Raiatea, across the Raiatea–Taha’a lagoon, then on to Bora Bora, finishing at Matira Beach. The 2026 race is scheduled for October 28–30; check the organizers for future dates. **Q: Are there still whales in French Polynesia in October?** A: Yes. Humpback whales are present from roughly July to November, and October is often excellent, with mothers and calves resting near the reef before the long migration south. Moorea and Tahiti have the most accredited operators. By November sightings thin out, so October is the last reliable month. **Q: Does the rainy season start in October?** A: Not quite. October is officially the last month of the dry season, but humidity rises and short showers become more common toward the end of the month. The wet season runs from about November to April. If you want the driest possible conditions, travel in the first half of October. ## Sources - [Tahiti Tourisme: When to visit](https://www.tahititourisme.com/preparing-you-trip/when-to-visit-the-islands-of-tahiti/) - [Hawaiki Nui Va’a organizing committee](https://www.hawaikinuivaa.pf) - [Tahiti Tourisme: Whale season](https://www.tahititourisme.com/the-whale-season-in-the-islands-of-tahiti/)