Sea temperature in French Polynesia
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 5 beaches on the French Polynesia coast.
Best time to swim in French Polynesia
The sea in French Polynesia peaks in July, when the water averages around 23°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
French Polynesia sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for French Polynesia shows an annual mean sea temperature of 21°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 23°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at French Polynesia, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
French Polynesia sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in French Polynesia?
July is the warmest month in French Polynesia, when the sea averages about 23°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in French Polynesia?
The coldest month in French Polynesia is typically January, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in French Polynesia without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in French Polynesia runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in French Polynesia?
Outside peak summer the water in French Polynesia drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in French Polynesia?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in French Polynesia is about 21°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in French Polynesia?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in French Polynesia, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
French Polynesia sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around French Polynesia for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| February | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| March | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| April | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
| May | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| June | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| July ⭐ | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| August | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| September | 23.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| October | 22.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| November | 21.0°C | Pleasant swimming |
| December | 20.0°C | Swimmable, refreshing |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in French Polynesia right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avea Bay | Society Islands | 23.7°C | Excellent |
| Avea Bay | Leeward Islands | 23.7°C | Excellent |
| Matira Beach | Society Islands | 22.9°C | Excellent |
| Temae Beach | Society Islands | 22.5°C | Excellent |
| La Plage de Maui | Windward Islands | 22.4°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in French Polynesia — FAQ
How warm is the sea in French Polynesia in September?
The sea off French Polynesia averages about 23.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is warmest in July (around 23.0°C) and coldest in January (around 20.0°C). There are typically 5 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in French Polynesia?
Across all twelve months, the sea in French Polynesia averages about 21.3°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in French Polynesia?
In peak season (around July, ~23.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 20.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.