Surfing in French Polynesia in May
In May the best surfing in French Polynesia is at Tahiti – Teahupo'o, Tahiti – Papara & Moorea – Haapiti.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 2.4 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 28–29°C, no wetsuit
- Air: 29°C by day, 24°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 29 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 19; a day can have both
- Warm enough for no wetsuit: Tahiti – Teahupo'o, Tahiti – Papara & Moorea – Haapiti.
- For beginners: Tahiti – Papara.
When are you planning to go?
1
MayPEAK SEASON
Teahupo'o
Tahiti · French Polynesia
2.5 m waves28° water29° air
Advanced only · no wetsuit · ✈ PPT 51 km
2
MayPEAK SEASON
Papara
Tahiti · French Polynesia
2.5 m waves29° water29° air
Beginner-friendly · no wetsuit · ✈ PPT 28 km
3
MayPEAK SEASON
Haapiti
Moorea · French Polynesia
2.2 m waves29° water29° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ MOZ 15 km
Averages of the 3 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in French Polynesia in May?
Tahiti – Teahupo'o: 2.5 m waves; Tahiti – Papara: 2.5 m waves; Moorea – Haapiti: 2.2 m waves.
How warm is the water in French Polynesia in May?
About 29°C: no wetsuit.
Where can beginners go surfing in May?
Good spots for beginners this month: Tahiti – Papara.
Which airport is closest?
Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT), 51 km from Tahiti – Teahupo'o; Moorea Temae Airport (MOZ), 15 km from Moorea – Haapiti.
