What to Pack for Tahiti for Sun-Drenched Days and Reef Adventures
From black-sand beaches to Teahupo'o’s reef passes, pack reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, sturdy water shoes and quick-dry layers. Expect 75–86°F sun, salty boat spray and sudden squalls, so add a wide-brim hat and a compact rain shell.
Updated on September 12, 2025
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Days in Tahiti stretch from reef-bright mornings to slow, salt-sweet evenings, and you can’t pack for every possible plan. Aim for a sun-first, water-ready capsule that moves from lagoon time to sunset dinners with one smarter layer. This guide keeps the bag light while covering the realities of UV, boats, and brief tropical weather.
Island-casual rules the day—pareos, airy dresses, aloha-style shirts, and sandals feel at home from cafés to quays. Evenings lean polished but relaxed, with clean lines and quiet colors rather than formality. A light cover-up keeps you appropriate in towns and village visits.
Tahiti’s tropical rhythm is warm and humid year-round, with coast days around 75–86°F and cooler inland valleys near 64–72°F. From Nov–Apr, showers can dump and pass in minutes; May–Oct brings sunnier skies and trade winds that raise the chop on boat rides. The sun is intense and unforgiving. Pack a compact rain shell and a UV top.
We start with essentials—reef-safe sunscreen, UV shirts, lightweight layers and footwear that handles docks—then outline seasonal tweaks for wet and dry months. Next come activity picks for snorkeling, diving, boat days and interior hikes, what to skip and common mistakes, and finally power, money, safety guidance and inter-island luggage limits.
Part 1: Packing Essentials
Packing List
Adults
Clothing
Footwear
Essentials
Kids Clothing
Kids Footwear
Infant Clothing
Infant Gear
Tahiti Day Bag Checklist
What you'll carry for a typical day exploring the city.
Part 2: Style & Weather
Tahiti Climate: Sun, Squalls & Lightweight Layers
Tahiti's tropical maritime climate brings warm coastal days of 75–86°F and cooler interior nights around 64–72°F. The wet season (Nov–Apr) has brief, heavy squalls and high humidity; the dry season (May–Oct) is sunnier and windier. Expect intense UV and salty trade winds.
Monthly Temperature Guide
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 84°F | 75°F |
| Feb | 84°F | 75°F |
| Mar | 84°F | 75°F |
| Apr | 84°F | 75°F |
| May | 82°F | 73°F |
| Jun | 81°F | 72°F |
| Jul | 81°F | 70°F |
| Aug | 81°F | 70°F |
| Sep | 81°F | 70°F |
| Oct | 82°F | 72°F |
| Nov | 82°F | 73°F |
| Dec | 84°F | 75°F |
Seasonal Insights
spring
Spring (Mar–May) bridges wet and dry: expect 75–84°F days, sudden tropical showers and muggy mornings. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry shirts, a compact rain shell and sturdy reef shoes. Plan morning hikes inland where it's cooler and drier.
summer
Summer (Jun–Aug) sits inside Tahiti's dry, windier season: 77–84°F sunny days and cooling trade winds. Bring UV shirts, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, 2–3 quick-dry swim pieces and reef shoes. Wind chills damp skin—carry a light windbreaker.
fall
Fall (Sep–Nov) edges into the wet season: coastal 75–84°F, rising humidity and squalls by November. Pack a quick-dry pareo, light layers, compact shell and reef shoes. Expect hot lagoons and cooler interior trails; time activities around showers.
winter
Winter (Dec–Feb) is peak wet season with hot, humid days of 75–86°F and frequent heavy squalls. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, quick-dry tops and reef shoes. Plan flexible island hops; expect occasional boat delays.
Tahiti Style: Sun, Snorkel & Lightweight Layers
Tahiti demands island-savvy dressing: intense UV, sudden squalls and coral terrain shape a wardrobe that is water-ready, lightweight and respectful. Lean on breathable linens, quick-dry swim fabrics and pareos that double as cover-ups; prioritize reef-safe protection and compact, multi-use items for boat transfers and remote motus.
The Local Dress Code
Island-casual is standard: pareos, sundresses and aloha-style shirts. Swimwear belongs on beaches and resorts; cover shoulders and knees in villages and at religious sites. Evenings trend smart-casual—light linen shirts and a tidy dress are appropriate. Avoid strong perfumes and overly revealing streetwear when visiting communities.
A sun-first wardrobe for Tahiti: prioritize reef-safe swim gear, breathable linens and secure water shoes for coral shores. Pack light, layer smart and include smart-casual pieces for evenings and village visits.
Style at a Glance
- • Prioritize UPF layers, rash guards and reef-safe swimwear
- • Choose relaxed, breathable silhouettes and packable linens
- • Select secure-sole reef shoes and lightweight walking sneakers
- • Bring one smart-casual outfit for evenings and village visits
- • Lean on multi-use pareos and quick-dry fabrics for transfers
Color Palette
Shopping in the City
Shop Papeete for pareos, monoi oil and basic swim gear; specialty reef shoes and technical sunwear are scarce on outer motus. Prioritize packing technical items before travel and look for local handcrafted textiles in markets.
Brands to Look For
Papeete Pareo Co: Hand-printed pareos and wrap skirts—light cotton and rayon pieces that double as beachwear and modest village cover-ups. ($ - $$)
Te Moana Swim: Locally inspired swim and rash-guard pieces in stretch polyamide blends designed for reef use and quick drying. ($$ - $$$)
Monoi Atelier: Artisanal monoi oil, sun-care balms and scented travel sizes perfect for post-sun hydration and gifting. ($ - $$)
Iriatai Reef Gear: Specialist reef shoes and water footwear with secure soles—essential for coral-fringed lagoons and rocky shorelines. ($$ - $$$)
Matahi Textiles: Lightweight linen and cotton pieces—shirts and dresses sewn for breathability and island silhouettes. ($$ - $$$)
Îles Essentials: Travel-friendly accessories: packable hats, waterproof dry bags and compact rain shells suitable for island hops. ($ - $$)
Where to Shop
Papeete Market: Handicrafts, pareos, monoi oil and local textiles
Papeete Waterfront Shops: Resort swimwear, sunglasses and basic reef footwear
Neighborhood Vibes
Papeete: Papeete mixes market bustle with neat coastal style—light cotton shirts, tidy bermudas, casual sandals and a pareo for quick temple or market visits; dress is practical and town-ready.
Point Venus & Papenoo Coast: Coastal and surfer-forward: sun-protective layers, rash guards, sturdy reef shoes and packable wind layers for windy shores and black-sand beaches; outdoor fabrics and secure straps prevail.
Seasonal Outfit Formulas
spring
Lagoon Snorkel Starter — Morning snorkel off a motu or reef; sun and water ready.
- • Long-sleeve rash guard: UPF layer to prevent sunburn while snorkeling
- • Stretch swim leggings
- • Closed-toe reef shoes
- • Packable wide-brim hat
Papeete Market Ease — Market stroll and casual lunch—modest, breathable layers for town.
- • Lightweight linen blouse
- • Wrap pareo skirt
- • Leather sandals: Smart-casual sandals suitable for town
- • Light cotton scarf
summer
Resort Pool & Bungalow — Resort day by the overwater bungalow; pool and sun lounging.
Lagoon Cruise Comfort — Boat day and inter-island transfer—wind and sun protection is key.
- • Packable wind shell
- • Quick-dry travel pants
- • Secure-strap sandals: Ideal for boarding and wet decks
- • Waterproof dry bag
fall
Wet-Season Wet Walk — Short showers and humid days—quick-dry and cover-up layering.
Reef-Ready Exploration — Coral-fringed shore exploration—protective layers and foot protection.
winter
Cool-Interior Evening — Cooler 18–22°C interior evenings—light layering for dinners inland.
Whale-Watching Deck Kit — Seasonal whale watching—windy mornings and wet spray call for layers.
Footwear Guidelines
- • Bring closed-toe reef/water shoes with a secure sole for coral and rocky shores
- • Pack a pair of lightweight sandals for easy beach-to-town transitions
- • Include comfortable walking or trail sneakers for Papeete and short hikes
- • Waterproof flip-flops are fine for sand but not for reef or boat transfers
Accessory Guidelines
- • Use a wide-brim, packable sun hat and polarized UV sunglasses
- • Carry reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm at all times
- • Pack a large pareo or lightweight scarf as a modest cover-up
- • Bring a compact waterproof dry bag for phones and documents on boats
- • Include a small first-aid kit with antiseptic for coral cuts
What to Wear for Every Tahiti Activity
Snorkeling on Coral Lagoons
Snorkeling Tahiti's lagoons is a must—strong sun, sharp coral and short boat rides mean smart gear.
Scuba Diving & Coral Safaris
Scuba trips explore deeper coral gardens and passes; safety, gear and local rules matter for both reefs and divers.
Lagoon Cruises & Boat Transfers
Inter-island hops and lagoon cruises are daily—prepare for sun, wind and luggage limits on small boats.
Beach Relaxation & Sunbathing
Tahiti beaches demand sun-first planning: high UV, warm days and social norms about swimwear in public.
Hiking in the Volcanic Interior
Interior hikes are steep, humid and shaded—expect muddy trails, sudden showers and cooler temps inland.
Visiting Villages & Papeete Markets
Visits to Papeete markets and villages reward respect—dress island-casual and follow local photo and church etiquette.
Surfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Surf and SUP sessions need reef-awareness—secure boots, rash protection and an eye on tides, winds and local line-up rules.
Part 3: Expert Tips
What Not to Pack for Tahiti — Avoid These Items
Save luggage space and avoid common overpacking mistakes by leaving these items behind.
- • Heavy winter coat or parka: Tahiti's coast is warm (about 24–30°C) year-round; a bulky winter parka wastes luggage space and fails inter-island weight limits. Bring a compact waterproof shell and a lightweight merino or linen layer instead.
- • Stiletto heels or delicate high heels: Piers, black-sand beaches and volcanic trails are uneven and sandy; high heels are impractical and risky. Pack sturdy sandals or lightweight walking sneakers with good grip for evenings and village visits.
- • Non-reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone/chemical sunscreens): Common coral reefs are protected; chemical sunscreens harm coral and may be banned. Swap for reef-safe, high-SPF mineral sunscreen and a UV rash guard or wide-brim hat.
- • Large formal gowns or tuxedos: Evenings in Tahiti skew smart-casual; bulky formal wear is overkill and hard to pack for boat transfers. Opt for a neat sundress, pareo or lightweight smart-casual shirt and trousers instead.
- • Full-size toiletries and shampoo bottles: Full-size bottles add weight and risk spillage on small-plane hops and boat transfers. Replace with travel-size refillable bottles or solid shampoo bars and multi-use skincare where possible.
- • Heavy hiking boots or steel-toe boots: Most island trails are short, steep and muddy; heavy boots are overkill and bulky. Choose lightweight trail shoes or sturdy walking sneakers with good traction instead.
- • Strong perfumes and multiple fragrance bottles: Scented perfumes can offend in villages and attract insects; they also take fragile luggage space. Use a small unscented moisturizer or a single solid perfume and prioritize insect repellent when needed.
- • Hard-shell oversized suitcase: Inter-island flights and boat transfers often have strict weight and size limits and require soft-sided bags that squeeze into tight compartments. Bring a soft duffel and a compact daypack instead.
- • Only flimsy beach flip-flops (no reef shoes): Bare flips offer no coral protection and slip on wet rocks, risking cuts. Don't rely solely on flip-flops; pack secure reef or water shoes plus waterproof sandals for beach and boat use.
- • Full-size camera tripod or heavy gear: Large tripods are cumbersome on small boats and during island-hopping; space is limited. Choose a compact travel tripod or flexible gorillapod and protect gear in a padded dry bag instead.
Tahiti Packing Secrets: Sun, Sea & Lightweight Layers
Local wisdom and practical advice gathered from seasoned travelers and residents.
- • Sunproof for every hour: Tahiti's UV is intense year-round—expect coastal days of 24–30°C. Pack high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and a UV shirt; shade is sparse on coral beaches and docked boats, so protection matters.
- • Reef-safe swimwear and care: Bring rash guards and reef-safe swimwear for snorkeling and diving. Quick-dry fabrics protect from sun and coral abrasions; avoid cotton that stays wet and carries bacteria after lagoon swims.
- • Sturdy reef shoes beat bare feet: Coral-fringed shores and black-sand beaches are sharp and slippery—pack secure-soled reef or water shoes. They prevent cuts, protect against sea urchins and make boat boarding safer during lagoon transfers.
- • Soft-sided luggage for island hops: Inter-island flights and boats enforce strict weight limits. Use soft-sided bags, compressible packing cubes and carry essential meds/chargers in a small daypack for quick transfers.
- • Light layers for breezy evenings: Days sit around 24–30°C but nights and ridgelines can cool to 18–22°C. Pack a lightweight linen or merino layer and a pareo for smart-casual evenings in villages or at restaurants.
- • Compact rain shell for sudden squalls: Wet season (Nov–Apr) brings brief heavy rain—carry a compact waterproof shell and quick-dry shorts. Rain often clears fast, but staying dry protects electronics and prevents chafing on hikes.
- • First-aid kit for coral cuts: Coral scrapes commonly infect—bring antiseptic, adhesive strips, antibiotic ointment and sterile dressings. Know nearest clinic locations on motus and register insurance for remote evacuations.
- • Hydration and heat illness prevention: High sun and humidity make dehydration likely. Carry a reusable water bottle, oral electrolyte packets and plan shade breaks during midday heat around 28–30°C to avoid heat exhaustion.
- • Respect village dress and customs: Wear modest cover-ups when visiting villages and religious sites—pareos and collared shirts are island-casual staples. Avoid walking through town in just swimwear to show respect.
- • Pack reef-safe toiletries and scent restraint: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and low-scent toiletries; strong perfumes can offend in small communities. Small refillable bottles save space and reduce waste on remote motus.
- • Power and payment prep: Tahiti uses 220–230V and Type E plugs—bring a European adapter and a universal charger. Carry some CFP francs for outer islands where cards and ATMs may be scarce.
- • Footwear for mixed terrain: Bring a secure pair of walking sneakers for volcanic trails and a lightweight sandal for towns and resorts. Avoid delicate heels—the black-sand and piers require stable soles.
Tahiti FAQs — Sun, Snorkel & Lightweight Packing
Common questions from fellow travelers, answered with local insight and practical experience.
How should I dress for daytime island life in Tahiti?
What sun protection should I prioritize for Tahiti's intense UV?
Which swim and water gear are essential for coral reef visits?
How do inter-island luggage limits change what I should pack for Tahiti?
What footwear covers beaches, reefs and village visits in Tahiti?
How should I prepare for Tahiti's wet season and high humidity?
Are there power, payment and medical items I must bring for Tahiti?
Common packing mistakes for Tahiti — sun, reef & island travel
Learn from others' experiences to avoid these common packing pitfalls and travel more comfortably.
Underestimating Tahiti's intense UV exposure
Tahiti has very high UV year-round (coastal 24-30°C). Arriving with only light SPF risks severe burns. Pack reef-safe SPF50+, UV shirts, wide-brim hat, lip balm and water.
Relying on bare feet instead of reef or water shoes
Walking reefs barefoot risks painful coral cuts and infection; small islands lack gear shops. Pack sturdy reef shoes with a grippy sole and quick-dry socks. If you forget, wear neoprene socks and avoid rocky entries; bring antiseptic.
Overpacking formal wear instead of smart-casual island pieces
Many bring gowns and heels for Tahiti's island evenings that skew smart-casual. Swap bulky formalwear for one neat linen shirt or sundress, a pareo and dressy sandals. Saves space for reef gear and meets village modesty norms.
Assuming card and ATM access everywhere
Papeete accepts cards, but outer motus and boat transfers often need CFP francs and small notes. Don't rely on ATMs—carry some cash, an extra card, and compact wallet or money belt. Plan payments for tours and taxi boats.
Overpacking heavy luggage for inter-island hops and boat transfers
Small planes and boat transfers enforce strict weight limits. Overpacking leads to fees or forced culling. Use soft-sided luggage, limit full-size toiletries, pack essentials in carry-on, weigh bags before travel and use compression cubes.
Wearing strong perfumes and scents in villages and religious sites
Strong perfumes can offend in villages and at religious sites and may attract mosquitoes on humid evenings. Choose unscented toiletries, carry a small bottle of local monoi for optional use, and apply scents sparingly away from community gatherings.
Ready for Your Tahiti Adventure
You're ready for Tahiti. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a UV shirt, sturdy reef shoes, and a soft-sided bag with a dry sack for island hops; these three choices protect coral, feet and luggage limits. Expect turquoise lagoons, volcanic ridges and warm 24–30°C days—embrace pareos and island-casual evenings. Travel light, respect villages with modest cover-ups, and let Tahiti's sunlit lagoons and gentle culture recharge you.
