What climate patterns affect French Polynesia?

French Polynesia experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm, humid conditions throughout the year. The region is divided into two primary seasons: a warm, rainy season from November to April and a relatively cool, dry season from May to October.1

Several key patterns influence the local climate:

• Trade Winds: Located within the trade-wind zone, the islands are primarily affected by winds blowing from the north and northeast, shifting toward the southeast between May and October.1
• Regional Variation: Because the islands are dispersed across 20° of latitude, there is significant climatic variation. For example, the southern Tubuai Islands are generally cooler than the rest of the territory.1
• Precipitation: Rainfall is typically abundant, often occurring as violent storms. Windward coasts generally receive higher levels of precipitation, and elevated areas are frequently covered in heavy clouds.1
• El Niño: While the region experiences long periods of calm from April to June, it is subject to occasional typhoons, particularly during El Niño events, which involve water-temperature anomalies in the Pacific.1