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Papeete - Things to Do in Papeete in November

Things to Do in Papeete in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Papeete

31°C (87°F) High Temp
22°C (72°F) Low Temp
155 mm (6.1 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • November marks the start of the dry season in Tahiti, meaning you'll catch the tail end of occasional showers but increasingly sunny days - typically 20 days with decent sunshine. The rain that does fall tends to come in short, dramatic bursts rather than all-day drizzle, usually clearing by mid-morning.
  • Water visibility peaks in November as the ocean settles after the wet season - you're looking at 25-30 m (82-98 ft) visibility for snorkeling and diving. The lagoons around Papeete are genuinely spectacular right now, and whale watching season overlaps slightly (humpbacks are still migrating through early November).
  • You'll avoid the peak tourist crush that hits December through February. Accommodation prices are typically 20-30% lower than high season, and you won't be fighting crowds at Marché de Papeete or waiting in line for ferries to Moorea. Local vendors actually have time to chat with you.
  • November brings some of the best local produce - you'll find breadfruit at peak season, fresh lychees starting to appear, and the fishing is excellent (yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are abundant). The roulottes (food trucks) along Boulevard Pomare have seasonal specials that locals wait for all year.

Considerations

  • Weather can be genuinely unpredictable - you might get three gorgeous days followed by a day of intermittent squalls. The 10 rainy days average means roughly one in three days sees some rain, though it's rarely all-day. This makes planning boat trips a bit of a gamble, and you'll want flexibility in your itinerary.
  • November sits in shoulder season, which means some tour operators run reduced schedules - particularly for activities to the Tuamotu atolls. You might find that certain diving operations only go out 4 days a week instead of daily, and some smaller guesthouses on outer islands close entirely for maintenance.
  • The humidity at 70% combined with temperatures around 31°C (87°F) can feel oppressive if you're not used to tropical climates. That sticky, heavy air hits you the moment you step off the plane, and air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for most visitors. Afternoon heat between 1-4pm makes outdoor exploration genuinely uncomfortable.

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Best Activities in November

Lagoon snorkeling and diving excursions

November offers some of the clearest water conditions of the year - visibility reaches 25-30 m (82-98 ft) as the ocean settles after the wet season. The lagoons around Papeete and nearby Moorea are at their best right now, with water temperatures around 27°C (81°F) making it comfortable for extended time in the water. Early November might still catch late-season humpback whales passing through. The coral gardens are particularly vibrant, and you'll spot blacktip reef sharks, rays, and massive schools of tropical fish without the crowds that arrive in December.

Booking Tip: Book lagoon tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators - look for those with marine biologist guides and small group sizes (maximum 8-10 people). Typical costs run 8,000-12,000 XPF (67-100 USD) for half-day trips including equipment. Morning departures around 8am offer the calmest conditions before afternoon winds pick up. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Coastal hiking and waterfall trails

The recent wet season means waterfalls are flowing at full volume - Fautaua Valley and Faarumai waterfalls are genuinely spectacular in November. Trails are lush and green, though you'll want to go early morning (start by 7am) to avoid the midday heat. The 70% humidity makes afternoon hikes pretty miserable, but morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) with cloud cover are actually ideal. The Aorai summit trail to 2,066 m (6,778 ft) is challenging but offers incredible views when clouds clear, which happens more frequently in November than previous months.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours typically cost 7,000-10,000 XPF (58-83 USD) for half-day trips, 12,000-18,000 XPF (100-150 USD) for full-day summit attempts. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm the night before since weather can force cancellations. Local guides know which trails are muddy versus manageable after recent rain. Bring 2-3 liters of water per person - the humidity means you'll dehydrate faster than you expect. See current hiking tours in the booking section below.

Island-hopping day trips and ferry excursions

November offers calmer seas compared to the wet season months, making the 30-minute ferry crossing to Moorea much more pleasant. The inter-island ferries run frequently, and you'll actually get seats (unlike the packed December sailings). Day trips to Moorea for lagoon tours, pineapple plantation visits, and the Belvedere Lookout are perfect in November - the landscapes are incredibly green from recent rains, and tourist sites aren't overrun. The Aremiti Ferry and Terevau run multiple daily departures, giving you flexibility if weather looks dodgy for your planned day.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost around 3,000-3,500 XPF (25-29 USD) round-trip and can be purchased day-of at the terminal in Papeete, though booking online a few days ahead guarantees your preferred departure time. Combined ferry and island tour packages run 12,000-18,000 XPF (100-150 USD). Consider booking accommodation on Moorea for 2-3 nights instead of day-tripping - you'll see the island properly and avoid rushing. See current island tour options in the booking section below.

Cultural walking tours and market exploration

November is actually perfect for exploring Papeete on foot since you're between the heavy rains and the peak tourist season. Marché de Papeete (the municipal market) is at its best early morning from 5-8am when fishing boats arrive with fresh catch and vendors set up produce stalls. The surrounding streets in the Quartier du Commerce have colonial architecture worth exploring, and you can walk the waterfront Boulevard Pomare without melting in the heat if you go before 10am or after 4pm. The Paofai Gardens and Place Vaiete come alive in evenings when roulottes (food trucks) set up around 6pm.

Booking Tip: Walking tours of Papeete typically cost 5,000-8,000 XPF (42-67 USD) for 2-3 hour guided experiences covering the market, cathedral, and historical sites. Book 3-5 days ahead, though some operators accept walk-ups. Self-guided exploration is totally feasible - the city center is compact at roughly 2 km (1.2 miles) across. Budget 1,500-3,000 XPF (12-25 USD) for market purchases and samples. See current cultural tours in the booking section below.

Sunset sailing and catamaran cruises

November evenings offer spectacular sailing conditions - the trade winds are consistent but not overwhelming (typically 15-20 knots), and you'll get those dramatic cloud formations that make for incredible sunset photos. The lagoon waters are calm enough for comfortable sailing, and the temperature drops to a pleasant 24-26°C (75-79°F) by evening. Many catamaran cruises include snorkeling stops at coral gardens, then anchor for sunset with local rum and fresh fruit. The golden hour light in November is genuinely special - that soft, filtered quality you get when there's just enough atmospheric moisture.

Booking Tip: Sunset sailing tours run 10,000-15,000 XPF (83-125 USD) for 3-4 hour excursions, often including drinks and light snacks. Book 7-10 days ahead for November, especially for weekend departures. Private charters for couples or small groups cost 35,000-50,000 XPF (292-417 USD) but give you flexibility on timing and route. Most depart around 4-4:30pm to catch the 6pm sunset. See current sailing options in the booking section below.

Traditional dance performances and cultural centers

November is excellent for indoor cultural experiences when afternoon rain rolls through. The Tahiti Pearl Regatta happens early November (sailing competition with cultural events), and various hotels host traditional tamure dance shows several nights per week. The Musée de Tahiti et des Îles in Punaauia (15 km/9.3 miles from Papeete) offers air-conditioned exploration of Polynesian history and art - genuinely worth the visit on a hot afternoon. Local dance troupes perform at hotels around 7-8pm, and the energy is incredible even in tourist-oriented shows.

Booking Tip: Cultural performances at hotels typically cost 5,000-8,000 XPF (42-67 USD) including a buffet dinner, or 2,000-3,000 XPF (17-25 USD) for show-only tickets. Book directly with hotels 2-3 days ahead. The museum charges 600 XPF (5 USD) entry and is open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. For authentic experiences, ask locals about village festivals happening in November - these are often free and genuinely welcoming to respectful visitors. See current cultural experiences in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Tahiti Pearl Regatta

This sailing competition typically runs in early November and is one of the most prestigious yacht races in French Polynesia. The regatta takes boats from Raiatea through the Leeward Islands, but Papeete hosts pre-race festivities and you'll see impressive yachts in the harbor. It's worth timing your visit to catch the start or finish - there are beach parties, live music, and an infectious energy around the waterfront. Even if you're not into sailing, the cultural performances and food stalls that pop up around the event are genuinely fun.

Throughout November

Heiva i Tahiti preparations and rehearsals

While the main Heiva festival happens in July, November marks when dance troupes begin serious preparations for the following year. You might catch rehearsals at community centers and schools - locals are usually happy to have respectful observers. This isn't a formal tourist event, but if you ask around at your accommodation or at Marché de Papeete, someone can usually point you toward where groups practice. It's a fascinating glimpse into how seriously Tahitians take their traditional dance and drumming.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers in November last 20-30 minutes and come on fast. Those cheap plastic ponchos fall apart in one use; invest in something breathable that packs small.
Reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 50+ - the UV index hits 8 regularly, and you'll burn faster than you think even on cloudy days. French Polynesia is serious about reef protection, so check ingredients before you arrive.
Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - cotton and linen breathe better than polyester in 70% humidity. Bring at least 3-4 changes since nothing dries overnight in this moisture. Avoid jeans entirely.
Water shoes with good grip - coral, sea urchins, and slippery boat decks are real hazards. Those cheap mesh shoes aren't enough; you want something with actual sole protection for hiking to waterfalls too.
Small dry bag (10-20 liter capacity) - essential for boat trips, beach days, and protecting electronics during sudden rain. The 155 mm (6.1 inches) of monthly rainfall means your stuff WILL get wet without protection.
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin - mosquitoes are active year-round but especially after rain. Dengue fever is present in French Polynesia, so this isn't optional. Reapply every 3-4 hours.
Light long-sleeve shirt and pants for evenings - useful for mosquito protection and slightly cooler temperatures after sunset. Also helpful for visiting churches or more formal restaurants in Papeete.
Portable battery pack - humidity can drain phone batteries faster, and you'll be using your phone constantly for photos, maps, and translation. Bring at least 10,000 mAh capacity.
Reusable water bottle (1 liter minimum) - staying hydrated in this heat and humidity is critical. Tap water in Papeete is safe to drink, and you'll save money versus buying bottled water at 300-400 XPF each.
Basic first aid supplies - bandages for coral scrapes, antihistamine for insect bites, anti-diarrheal medication (changing diet affects many visitors), and any prescription medications you need. Pharmacies in Papeete are well-stocked but expensive.

Insider Knowledge

The roulottes (food trucks) along Boulevard Pomare near Place Vaiete serve the best local food at a fraction of restaurant prices - 1,200-1,800 XPF (10-15 USD) gets you a massive plate of poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), grilled meats, and sides. They open around 6pm and the scene peaks around 7-8pm. This is where locals actually eat, and the quality is genuinely excellent.
Book your Moorea ferry tickets for early morning departures (7am or 8am) rather than midday - you'll have the whole day on the island, and morning seas are calmer in November. The return ferries get packed with day-trippers around 4-5pm, so consider the 6pm or later crossing for actual seats.
ATMs in Papeete dispense only 30,000 XPF (250 USD) maximum per transaction and charge 500-600 XPF (4-5 USD) in fees. Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for larger purchases, and withdraw cash in bigger amounts less frequently. Many smaller vendors and roulottes only take cash.
The municipal market (Marché de Papeete) has two distinct sections - the ground floor touristy pareo and souvenir stalls, and the upstairs local produce and prepared food area. Go upstairs for the real experience: fresh coconut for 200 XPF, tropical fruit you've never seen before, and locals who'll explain what everything is if you show genuine interest.
November is actually when locals do their own island exploring since kids are in school and crowds are manageable. If you see Tahitians heading somewhere on the weekend - a beach, hiking trail, or lagoon spot - it's probably worth following. They know the best locations that don't appear in guidebooks.
The trade winds in November blow consistently from the east, which means the west coast of Tahiti (Punaauia, Paea) tends to be calmer and sunnier than the east coast. If weather looks iffy, head west for better conditions. Locals know this and plan accordingly.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how expensive everything is - French Polynesia uses the Pacific Franc (XPF), and prices are roughly 30-40% higher than mainland France, which is already pricey. Budget at least 150-200 USD per day per person for modest accommodations, food, and activities. Many visitors run out of money faster than expected.
Booking only one or two nights in Papeete then rushing off to Bora Bora or Moorea - while Papeete isn't the main attraction, you need time to adjust to the time zone (10 hours behind UTC), recover from the long flight, and properly explore the market and local food scene. Give yourself at least 2-3 nights here.
Assuming November is fully dry season - it's the START of dry season, meaning you'll still get rain. Tourists book outdoor activities every single day without flexibility, then get frustrated when weather forces cancellations. Build in buffer days and have indoor backup plans ready.
Wearing fancy jewelry or expensive watches around Papeete - while the city is generally safe, petty theft happens, especially around the market and waterfront. Leave valuables in your hotel safe and bring only what you need for the day. Tourists who flash expensive gear make themselves targets.
Not learning basic French phrases - English is spoken at hotels and major tour operators, but locals appreciate even minimal effort with French or Tahitian. 'Ia ora na' (hello in Tahitian) and basic French pleasantries open doors and get you better service and prices at markets.

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