Best time to surf in French Polynesia
February to June, August to November for intermediate surfers, February to March for beginners, and June for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 20 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 7 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 29 °C | Tahiti |
| February | 6 | 10 | 4 | 1–1.4 m | 29 °C | Moorea |
| March | 5 | 8 | 5 | 1–1.4 m | 29 °C | Moorea |
| April | 6 | 4 | 10 | 1–1.6 m | 29 °C | Moorea |
| May | 6 | 3 | 13 | 1.1–1.7 m | 29 °C | Moorea |
| June | 4 | 3 | 12 | 1.2–1.8 m | 28 °C | Moorea |
| July | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1.2–1.8 m | 27 °C | Tahiti |
| August | 4 | 3 | 10 | 1.2–1.8 m | 27 °C | Moorea |
| September | 4 | 5 | 8 | 1.1–1.7 m | 27 °C | Moorea |
| October | 4 | 5 | 9 | 1.1–1.7 m | 27 °C | Moorea |
| November | 3 | 6 | 7 | 1–1.6 m | 28 °C | Moorea |
| December | 3 | 6 | 3 | 1–1.6 m | 28 °C | Tahiti |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tahiti | February to June, August to November | December to February | 27–29 °C |
| Moorea | February to May, August to November | February to March | 27–29 °C |
| Huahine | April to June, September | few beginner days | 27–29 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in French Polynesia?
May, with about 6 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is February to June, August to November.
When is the best time to surf in French Polynesia for beginners?
February to March, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in French Polynesia?
June has the biggest typical surf (about 1.2–1.8 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in French Polynesia in summer?
Mostly small: June to August average about 4 good days a month for intermediate surfers, better for learning than for good waves.
How warm is the water in French Polynesia?
About 27 °C in August (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 29 °C in March (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in French Polynesia · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.