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French Polynesia

The climate of the Marquesas Islands: when to go

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The climate of the Marquesas islands is sub-tropical, the prevailing winds greatly influence the climate, bringing precipitation along the southern and eastern coasts of the islands, which are covered with abundant tropical vegetation, while the north-western coasts receive little rain and are semi arid.

Despite their position very close to the equator, the Marquesas are quite dry by the standard of equatorial islands. Unlike the other islands of French Polynesia, most of the rains occur in the cooler months, between May and July, while the driest months are between September and November.

The southernmost islands are rainier, while the northernmost ones are more arid. The annual average rainfall is around 1,300 mm, but can vary according to the years and between one island and another between 500 mm and 2,800 mm. The Marquesas islands are outside the hurricane area, therefore the probability that the islands can be hit by tropical cyclones is very low.

Temperatures are moderate due to the constant blowing of the trade winds. The maximum average temperatures remain constant throughout the year between 31 ° C and 28 ° C. While the average minimum temperatures vary between 24 ° C and 22 ° C.

Sea water temperatures in the Marquesas Islands are stable all year round between 29 ° C and 27 ° C.

WHEN TO GO TO THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS?

The best time to visit the Marquesas islands are the least rainy months between August and December.

THE CLIMATE OF THE MARQUESAS ISLANDS: CLIMATE TABLE

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HIVA OA, MARQUESAS ISLANDS (52 meters)
MonthAverage low (°C)Average high (°C)Precip. (mm)Precip. days
January2330114
February243191
March2431137
April2431117
May2429122
June2329175
July2328122
August2328100
September232981
October232979
November233066
December233089
YEAR23291293

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HIVA OA, MARQUESAS ISLANDS
MonthSea Water Temperature °C
January28
February28
March28
April29
May28
June28
July28
August27
September27
October27
November28
December28

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