Tubuai
Island Austral Islands island with Polynesian cultural heritage
Tubuai, a volcanic island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia, attracts visitors for quiet bays, coral lagoons, ancestral marae sites and a slower pace compared with Tahiti.
Tubuai is an island in the Austral Islands (Îles Australes) of French Polynesia and serves as one of the principal inhabited islands in that southern archipelago. It is a volcanic island with a shallow lagoon, fringing reef and fertile inland areas used for local agriculture.
The island’s shoreline and reef create sheltered bays and small village settlements; local life centers on subsistence agriculture, fishing and inter-island connections within the Austral group. Infrastructure is limited compared with Tahiti and access is by regional air or sea connections.
Tubuai is noted in European maritime history because mutineers from HMS Bounty attempted to establish a settlement on the island in 1789 before they eventually relocated to Pitcairn Island.
The island lies in the southern reaches of French Polynesia as part of the Austral Islands administrative subdivision.
- Bounty connection: Mutineers from HMS Bounty attempted to settle on the island in 1789 before leaving for Pitcairn, an episode often mentioned in European histories of the Pacific.
- Geography: The island is a volcanic high island with a fringing reef and a central lagoon, typical of many Austral Islands in French Polynesia.
How to Get to Tubuai #
Tubuai is accessed by Air Tahiti flights from Papeete (Faa’a International, PPT) to Tubuai Airport (TUB); service is infrequent and seasonal. Sea connections via cargo/passenger boats exist but are irregular. Plan flights and buffer days in advance.
Tips for Visiting Tubuai #
- Flights to Tubuai are limited-book Air Tahiti connections from Papeete (PPT) well in advance.
- Bring local currency and supplies; island shops are small and stock varies.
- Respect local regulations: Tubuai has strong communal governance and customary practices-ask permission before visiting villages or private motus.
Best Time to Visit Tubuai #
The austral winter (May-October) is generally the calmest time for travel. Flights are infrequent-plan connections and allow buffer days.
Weather & Climate near Tubuai #
Tubuai's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in February) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1671 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (201 mm).
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (175 mm).
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