January · French Polynesia
Best time to visit Papeete in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Papeete in January
Average temperature 27°C, 265 mm of rain, about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 81% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
7.2/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 265 mm
- Humidity
- 81%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 25
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Papeete scores 7.2/10 for beach and coastal travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 27°C, 265 mm of rain, and roughly 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Papeete is French Polynesia's capital on Tahiti, with a lively market, black pearls and ferries across to Moorea.
January holds up well in Papeete — 12th best month
Days in January average 27°C (80°F) and humidity near 81% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
This is the year's wettest stretch at 265 mm, but with about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine it is not a total loss; an indoor fallback covers the risk.
That is 7.2/10 on the same scale — 12th of 12 months, versus 8.9/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, March is materially better in Papeete — 1.7 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Papeete in January?
- In January, Papeete averages 27°C, 265 mm of rain, and about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.2/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Papeete?
- January earns a 7.2/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Papeete in January?
- Expect about 265 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 81% and there are about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Papeete
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Papeete
Papeete, French Polynesia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.