Tahiti holidays

Relax on volcanic black or soft white beaches. Swim or snorkel in the clear reef lagoon. Or dive into the lively markets, squares, incredible restaurants, and food trucks among the grand buildings and thriving markets of Papeʻete. Visit Papeari, Tahiti’s oldest village, an island community since the 5th Century and once home to Paul Gauguin. Stroll the diverse flora of Vaipahi Gardens.

Uncover Polynesia’s past at the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, step up to sacred sites in Tahiti’s beautiful open-air stone temples, or discover the literary origins of Mutiny on the Bounty at the James Norman Hall Home. Hike through the lush and mountainous inland to find dramatic waterfalls such as Faarumai and Fautaua, watch the ocean shoot into the sky at the Arahoho Blowhole, or drift among the colourful fish of the calm lagoon in an outrigger canoe.

Holidays to the South Pacific are about sun, sand, ocean, and getting away from it all. When you travel to Tahiti, you find a thriving capital city too. Papeʻete offers malls, markets, museums, gardens, and bustling town squares perfect for daytime people-watching and nighttime entertainment. Visit the 19th Century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. Take a tour of the yellow-walled Mairie de Papeete, a grand town hall filled with pink Italian marble features and crystal chandeliers.

Soak up the sounds and scents of local life at Marché de Pape'ete, or wander the isles of Vaima Shopping Centre to visit shops, cafés, and restaurants. Take a waterfront stroll past the “Roulotte” food trucks and live music of Place Vai'ete, or take in a show on the outdoor stage of Tahua To'ata. Pass gentle afternoons in manicured gardens, or discover Pacific Ocean treasures in the Robert Wan Pearl Museum.

Tahiti stands out in French Polynesia as it trades traditional white sand for distinctive volcanic black. Walk along the long wide shore of Plage du Taharuu to find your space on the dark beach between the waving palms and the gentle ocean, perfect for swimming with the whole family. Relax and watch the surfers from the quiet village beach of Papenoo.

Cross the island’s narrow isthmus to Tahiti Iti and La Plage de Maui where the beach is brilliant white and the shallow lagoon is ideal for refreshing between seafood snacks at the beachside bar. Slip underwater to snorkel among the marine life of Tahitii’s offshore reefs, or head to Teahupo’o and watch the World Surf League action at the Billabong Pro international big wave competition.

With warm days all year, every time is the best time to visit Tahiti. The real question is - what Tahiti atmosphere are you looking for? Tahiti is at its most lively in the “peak” months of June to August when the southern hemisphere winter keeps temperatures at their mildest, averaging 23-25°, and rainfall is rare. December to February are the hottest summer months, often climbing to 30°C or above.

Rain is more common at this time, usually coming in heavy bursts before drying up quickly, but fewer visitors mean you’ll have an improved chance of getting the island’s idyllic locations and attractions to yourself. The shoulder seasons of September to November and March to May are great times to visit for flexible travellers looking to balance the best weather with off-peak savings and lower crowds.