About Tubuai
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 201 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 23° - 28° | 25° | 192 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 22° - 27° | 25° | 169 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 21° - 26° | 24° | 136 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 19° - 25° | 22° | 146 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 18° - 23° | 21° | 103 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 23° | 20° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 17° - 22° | 20° | 100 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 17° - 23° | 20° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 24° | 21° | 105 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 25° | 23° | 155 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 26° | 24° | 175 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
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.