French Polynesia
Bora Bora in May
🌦️ Shoulder (showers)Warm, humid and some showers.
🎒 Pack: light, breathable clothes & sunscreen · compact umbrella or rain jacket · quick-dry fabrics
Why May scores 8.6What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort7.5
- ✓Warm (30°C highs / 25°C lows)
- !Very humid/sticky (dew point 22.8°C)
- !Wet: ~112 mm rain, ~2 heavy-rain days
- Air quality10.0
- ✓Good (within WHO guideline) (PM2.5 ~4 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards10.0
- ·No notable seasonal hazards
- Safety baseline8.0
- ·Normal precautions
| May | Aug | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.6 Excellent | 9.0 Excellent |
| Season | 🌦️ Shoulder (showers) | ☀️ Dry season |
| High / low | 30° / 25° | 29° / 24° |
| Rain | 112 mm | 64 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 23° | dew pt 21° |
| PM2.5 | 4 µg/m³ | 5 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Bora Bora weather-station normals. Rainfall: Bora Bora weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsMay 2027
Long weekendThere's at least one long weekend. Domestic travel picks up and popular spots get busier over those days.
- Pentecost Monday 15–17 May · 3 days off in a row
Other public holidays: Labor Day (1 May) · Ascension Day (6 May) · Victory Day (8 May)
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Explore Bora BoraEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyA small island in French Polynesia's Leeward Islands, known for its turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows and the peak of Mount Otemanu.
No major events on our calendar for May.
Coming up later
Heiva i Bora BoraDate variesUsually July
Weeks of traditional dance, singing and sports competitions as part of the Polynesian Heiva season.
Why go: Evening dance shows are the highlight.
Where: Vaitape
Hawaiki Nui Va'aDate variesUsually late October or early November
A multi-day outrigger canoe race between Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora.
Why go: Crowds gather at Matira Beach to see crews finish.
Where: Finishes at Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Lagoon snorkelling
The lagoon has coral gardens with tropical fish, rays and blacktip reef sharks, visited on boat tours.
Matira Beach
A long white-sand public beach on the island's southern tip with shallow water.
Mount Otemanu
The island's jagged central volcanic peak, best seen from the lagoon or motu.
Motu picnics
Boat trips to small coral islets (motu) around the lagoon, often with a Polynesian lunch.
Vaitape
The main village, where ferries arrive and local shops and churches are found.
Around-the-island drive
A coastal road of about 30 km circles the main island, easily done by bike or small car.
Poisson cru (i'a ota)
Raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, the signature Polynesian dish.
Po'e
A baked fruit pudding, often made with banana or papaya, served with coconut milk.
Firifiri
Twisted fried dough, typically eaten for breakfast with coffee.
Mahi-mahi
Local fish often served grilled or with vanilla sauce.
Tahitian vanilla
Aromatic vanilla grown in French Polynesia, used in sauces and desserts.
Tahitian black pearls
Cultured pearls from Polynesian lagoons.
💡 Pearl shops in Vaitape
Pareo
A printed cotton wrap worn as a skirt or dress.
💡 Shops and craft stalls in Vaitape
Monoi oil
Coconut oil scented with tiare flowers, a protected local product.
💡 Shops and pharmacies