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When to surf in Tahiti? Seasons, swells and conditions made simple
Tahiti can be surfed all year round, but not everywhere nor all the time. Understand the swell seasons, wind and tides to pick the right day and the right spot.
Good news: you can surf in Tahiti twelve months a year. The subtlety is that the waves do not hit the same coasts depending on the season. Understanding this simple mechanism will save you many flat sessions.
Two swell seasons
From May to October, the austral winter sends big south and south-west swells: this is the season of the west coast and peninsula spots, Teahupo'o first. From November to April, north and north-east swells take over and wake up the east and north coasts: Mahina and Papenoo then enter their best period, with gentler conditions ideal to learn and progress.
Wind: surf in the morning
Trade winds blow during the day and often chop up the waves in the afternoon. Early morning, the water is smoother: that is why our morning-session deliveries take place between 7 and 8 am. The sunset session, late in the day, also often brings a lull and magical light.
Tide and size
On the east coast sandy beach breaks, the tide changes the shape of the waves through the day: some peaks work better on a rising tide, others at high tide. As for size, a modest swell is enough for great sessions at Ahonu or La Baie, while Rivermouth waits for the more powerful days.
How to check before you go
- The Windguru forecast embedded in our Today's conditions section: wind, swell, period
- The Ahonu webcam to see the beach live
- A WhatsApp message: we tell you where it is working on the morning itself
And if the conditions are not there on the planned day? Write to us: we will suggest another spot, another time or another board. The goal is for you to come back smiling.
