Things to Do in Papeete in August

August Weather in Papeete

30°C (86°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

66 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season winds bring cooler evenings - perfect for walking the waterfront Quai Bir-Hakeim after 6pm when temperatures drop to 21°C (69°F)
Heiva I Tahiti festival season continues into early August with traditional dance competitions at To'ata Square - the only time to see authentic Tahitian ori tahiti performances
Trade winds are strongest in August, making sailing conditions ideal with consistent 15-20 knot winds from the southeast
Tourist crowds thin out after July school holidays, meaning shorter lines at Marché de Papeete and better availability at popular restaurants in Quartier du Commerce

Considerations

Accommodation prices remain elevated from July peak season - expect to pay 20-30% more than shoulder season rates
Morning humidity at 70% makes early outdoor activities uncomfortable until trade winds pick up around 10am
Occasional strong wind days (2-3 per month) can cancel inter-island flights and ferry services to Moorea

Best Activities in August

Moorea Dolphin and Ray Encounters

August's calm lagoon conditions and excellent underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98ft) make this the prime month for swimming with dolphins and stingrays. Morning departures benefit from glass-calm waters before afternoon trade winds arrive. Water temperature is a comfortable 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead as August is popular for marine activities. Look for operators offering small group sizes (maximum 12 people) and morning departure times. Typical cost ranges 12,000-18,000 XPF. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Fautaua Waterfall Hiking

August's drier conditions mean safer trail access to this 140m (459ft) waterfall in the island's interior. Morning starts are essential - begin by 7am to avoid afternoon humidity and complete the 6km (3.7-mile) roundtrip before heat peaks. The waterfall pool is refreshingly cool for swimming.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes typically cost 8,000-12,000 XPF and include valley history and botanical knowledge. Book through certified mountain guides for safety. Independent hikers need permits from town hall. Check current guided options in the booking widget below.

Venus Point Cultural Walking Tours

Cooler August evenings (21°C/69°F) are perfect for exploring Papeete's historic waterfront where Captain Cook observed the transit of Venus in 1769. The 3km (1.9-mile) route includes colonial architecture, Chinese temples, and pearl markets. Late afternoon timing avoids midday heat.

Booking Tip: Cultural walks range 4,000-7,000 XPF for 2-3 hour experiences. Look for bilingual guides with historical expertise. Self-guided options available, but guided tours provide access to private courtyards and family-owned pearl shops. See available tours in booking section below.

Lagoonarium Snorkeling Excursions

August's southeast trade winds create perfect conditions for Punaauia's lagoonarium visits. Protected lagoon areas offer calm waters ideal for beginners, while coral gardens showcase vibrant fish life in 27°C (81°F) water. Visibility exceeds 20m (65ft) during this season.

Booking Tip: Half-day lagoonarium tours cost 6,000-10,000 XPF including equipment and transfers. Morning departures offer best conditions before afternoon winds. Book with operators providing high-quality masks and fins. Current tour availability in booking widget below.

Vanilla and Rum Plantation Tours

August marks vanilla harvest season in Tahiti's interior valleys. Plantation visits demonstrate the labor-intensive vanilla curing process unique to Tahitian varieties. Combined rum distillery tours showcase local agricole production. Mountain valleys are 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than coastal areas.

Booking Tip: Plantation tours range 9,000-14,000 XPF including tastings and transfers from Papeete. Full-day excursions combine multiple valleys. Book ahead as harvest season tours have limited availability. See current plantation tour options in booking section below.

Black Pearl Farm Experiences

August's calm lagoon conditions allow easy access to pearl farms in Arue and Punaauia. Learn about Tahitian black pearl cultivation in temperature-controlled demonstration areas. Farm visits include pearl grafting demonstrations and direct-purchase opportunities at farm prices.

Booking Tip: Pearl farm visits cost 5,000-8,000 XPF for 2-3 hour experiences. Look for working farms rather than retail showrooms. Some farms offer pearl-opening experiences where you select your own oyster. Check current farm tour availability in booking widget below.

August Events & Festivals

Early August

Heiva I Tahiti Continuation

While the main festival occurs in July, August features the finals and award ceremonies at To'ata Square. Witness championship-level traditional dance, drumming, and singing competitions. Evening performances start at 7pm when temperatures cool to comfortable levels.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in moisture-wicking fabric - protects from UV Index 8 sun exposure during midday activities

Quality reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - French Polynesia has strict coral protection laws, and regular sunscreen can result in fines

Compact rain jacket or poncho - August sees 10 rainy days with quick 20-30 minute tropical downpours

Water shoes with good grip - essential for reef walking and wet boat boarding, volcanic rocks can be slippery

Dry bag (20-30L capacity) - protects electronics and documents during boat transfers and water activities

Insect repellent containing DEET - valleys and interior areas have mosquitoes, especially after rain

Breathable hiking shoes - for mountain trails and waterfall hikes, ankle support recommended for volcanic terrain

Cotton or linen pants - more comfortable than synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity, required for temple visits

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - trade winds can be strong, sun protection essential for boat activities

Snorkel gear (optional) - rental quality varies, bringing your own mask ensures proper fit for clear vision underwater

Insider Knowledge

Shop at Marché de Papeete before 8am on Saturday mornings for the best selection of local fruits and vanilla beans - vendors offer samples and island-specific varieties not found elsewhere

Book inter-island flights for morning departures - afternoon trade winds frequently cause delays or cancellations, especially to the Marquesas

Use 'roulotte' food trucks parked along Boulevard Pomare after 6pm for authentic Tahitian cuisine at local prices - look for trucks with long local lines, they serve the best poisson cru

Exchange money at Banque de Tahiti rather than airport currency exchanges - rates are 3-5% better and they're familiar with international cards that sometimes fail at smaller vendors

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the intensity of UV radiation - even cloudy days at this latitude can cause severe burns within 30 minutes of unprotected exposure

Not bringing cash for small vendors and markets - many family-run businesses and food trucks don't accept cards, and ATMs charge high fees for foreign cards

Booking afternoon boat activities without considering trade wind conditions - mornings offer much calmer seas and better wildlife visibility