I am going on my honeymoon next spring, and my fiancé and I are considering Tahiti. Do you know if May is a good month to travel there?
You’re in luck — spring is considered off-season in Tahiti, which means you’ll find prices more affordable than in the busier months of June through October. The weather might be a bit more humid in May, but you’ll miss the mara’amu, a chilly trade wind that carries rain and generally unpleasant weather from the south.
Your main challenge on your French Polynesian sojourn won’t be the climate — it will be deciding which areas to take in. For a taste of French provincial living, visit the city of Papeete with its open market, painted buildings and cafes. Be sure to explore on foot, preferably in the cool morning. Sundays are a good time to shop at the municipal market, where you’ll find everything from black pearls and handicrafts to taro root and mangoes.
If you need to economize, you can snack from colorful vans, or roulottes, lined up along the waterfront — a fun experience. For a splurge, head to L’o a la Bouche for tasty nouvelle dishes (address: Impasse Cardella).
Along with Tahiti, you’ll want to fly or ferry to several outlying islands — Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Maupiti are all good options. Moorea is the second-most visited island after Tahiti. It’s just 12 miles to the west and is a delight, with powdery white sand beaches and lush valleys. You can easily tour via scooter or minibus.
A final tip: Once you’ve reached Tahiti, buy a hibiscus blossom to wear behind your left ear — a signal that you’re already spoken for. Happy honeymooning!