Wondering what to pack for Moorea? In this guide we round up the month by month Moorea weather and how this affects what to wear in Moorea at night, in resorts and for all the amazing activities your can do on this beautiful island.
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Note: This Moorea Packing List is a guide for the island of Moorea only. Although a part of French Polynesia, the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea all require slightly different packing lists and requirements. If you are visiting one of the other islands on your trip be sure to check out our other guides.
- What to wear to Tahiti Packing List
- What to wear to Bora Bora Packing List
Please Note: If you are combining another island i.e. Bora Bora into your French Polynesia itinerary then be sure to pack light as there are weight restrictions on Bora Bora flights – see our Bora Bora packing list for more information.
Moorea Weather (month by month guide)
January
January is the second wettest month to visit Moorea. If you visit Moorea in January you will need to pack for rain. However the temperatures will range from 30C to 23C during the day. So even with the rain you will have nice warm days
February
February in Moorea is slightly less rainy than January however you are still likely to have some rainy days in Moorea in February. When we were in Moorea in February we had rain so were glad we were prepared for it.
However the temperatures even with the rain were still warm with 30C to 23C as average highs and lows during the month of February.
March and April
March and April have very similar weather. Again the temperatures range from 30C to 23 C but the rain drops off more significantly than between January and February with on average only 7 rainy days each compared to 10 and 9 in January and Feb respectively.
May
The average temperatures for May drop slightly from the preceding months with the average high being 29C and the average low of 22C. However there is less rain with only 5 days of rain in May on average.
June
The average high in June remains stable from May though the average low drops to 21C. However the rain fall days falls to just 4.
July, August and September
July and September are the driest months of the year in Moorea. There are only 3 rain days in July and September in Moorea with August having 4. And the temperatures in these months range from an average of 28C and an average low of 20C.
Therefore if you are looking for the driest months to visit Moorea then these are the months to pick.
October
In October the average highs and lows rise to 29C and 21 C respectively but the rain starts to creep back in with 4 days again.
November
November truly herald the start of the rainy season in Moorea with 6 days of rain but the temperature remains stable.
December
December is the wettest month in Moorea with 10 days of rain in the month. If you are visiting in this month you really will need to be prepared for rain. However the temperatures are still high with an average high of 30C and average low of 22C.
What to Wear in Moorea / Moorea Dress Code
The Moorea Dress Code is relatively casual especially on the resorts. The dress code in the day tends to be casual and relaxed as befitting most beach destinations.
Depending on the resort you are at and whether there are more high end restaurants the dress code may increase to smart casual for the evenings.
What to wear in Moorea for women
Swimwear
The thing you will use most during your time in Moorea is definitely swimwear. You will be relaxing by the beach and around the pool and doing many water sport activities.
I recommend taking at least swimming costumes with you for a trip to Moorea and if you are concerned about tan lines be sure to take a variety of silhouettes with you.
While you can wear a Bikini in Moorea and there are no rules against it I would recommend packing at least one one piece for some of the water sport activities.
Click here to shop women’s swimwear for Moorea.
Rash Vest
If you plan on snorkelling I would advise adding a rash vest to your packing list. The sun in French Polynesia is very strong and it is easy to burn when snorkelling. A rash vest will be an added layer of protection against the sun and against the coral.
Sarong
Moorea beach wear is relatively casual but I would recommend packing at least one sarong with you for when you want to cover up a bit. For the same reason I recommend bringing
Beach Cover
Although it is a casual attire at Moorea beach resorts, the bars and restaurants will require you to wear something other than swimwear which means a beach cover is an essential on your Moorea Packing List.
Click here to shop beach covers
Shorts
When you are on the beach and moving around the resort my favorite thing to wear, aside from a beach cover are shorts.
My preference in places like Moorea is a quick dry pair.
Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are perfect for day to night transitions and are cool for the humidity and hot nights.
Click here to shop Maxi dresses.
Pashmina
Although the temperatures are relatively consistent year round at Moorea, the air conditioned and some evenings can be cool. I therefore recommend bringing a pashmina with you for these occasions.
Sandals
High heels are definitely on my what not to wear in Moorea list. They just aren’t required anywhere on the island. Therefore when looking for the best shoe I recommend packing a sandal or a flip flip.
Sneakers / Walking Shoes
When you compare your Moorea Packing list to your Bora Bora or Tahiti Packing List the biggest difference I would say is the addition of active wear and hiking gear.
Out of all the islands of French Polynesia Moorea has the most outdoor activities and hiking possibilities in my opinion. Whereas Tahiti has the towns and markets and Bora Bora the most luxurious resorts.
If you want to partake in any of these be sure to pack good sneakers or walking shoes with you.
Active Wear
As the weather gets very hot in Moorea when you are hiking be sure you have adequate active wear for hot weather with you.
On top of this if you plan to exercise in resort at the gym be sure to pack your workout wear with you.
Sun Hat
The sun is hot in Moorea, and throughout French Polynesia. Even though I have lived in the Middle East I have never felt sun the strength of that that we experienced in French Polynesia. A sun hat is needed for every visitor to Moorea.
Click here to shop sun hats for women
Light weight Pjs
Although the temperatures do drop at night and there is air conditioning in resorts in Moorea you will definitely need lightweight Pjs or nightdress with you.
Click here to shop lightweight pjs.
Poncho
Having a waterproof coat isn’t practical in the temperatures of Moorea but if you are visiting in one of the rainier months and plan to do outdoor activities you may want to pack one of these ponchos with you.
What to pack for Moorea for men
Swimwear
As we said for the Women’s Moorea Packing List., you will be spending most of your time in swimwear. Therefore we recommend packing several pairs of trunks with you.
I always pack an extra pair to what I think we will need as they are so small that they won’t take up much space in the case.
Click here to shop men’s swimwear
Hat
A hat is needed for every traveler to Moorea. As it is a casual place baseball caps are perfectly acceptable as are hats such as Panamas.
Shorts
Shorts are a vital part of any man’s packing list for French Polynesia. They can be used round the pool, beach and the resort and if you bring a more tailored pair these are perfect for nights in Moorea.
Linen Trousers
If you don’t want to wear shorts at night however we recommend packing some linen trousers. These will keep you cool while also meet anywhere’s smart casual dress code.
Short Sleeve Shirts
For what to wear for men in the evening I recommend pairing the above with a short sleeved shirt for men.
Click here to shop shirts for tropical vacations
T Shirts
An essential for both day and night time in Moorea for men. T Shirts are great for restaurants and bars during the day and I would also add at least one polo shirt for the evenings.
Poncho
If you plan on v visiting in the rainy season and are going to do hikes a poncho is an essential.
Flip Flops /Sandals
For the long days on the beach dn round the pool you will definitely want a pair of flip flops or sandals with you.
My husband also always packs a pair of Sanuks as a day to night transition shoe.
On top of that we recommend
Walking Shoes / sneakers
for activities.
What to wear in Moorea at night
The dress code for Moorea is relatively casual especially at the resorts. Therefore in answer to what to wear in Moorea at night I would say stay casual.
I would recommend packing items that transition easily from day to night such as Maxi Dresses for women and for men shorts of the tailored variety and short sleeve shirts and Polos.
What to Pack for Moorea (non clothing)
Sunscreen
As I have mentioned I have never felt the sun as strong as I did in French Polynesia. Have plenty of sunscreen with you because you definitely need it and buying it locally will be an expensive endeavour.
Click here to shop best sunscreen
Aloe Vera
Although no one wants to get sunburnt it is easily done in French Polynesia. To help soothe any sunburn you get we recommend having some aloe vera on hand to help you cool those burns down.
Bug Spray
We often get asked do I need bug spray to visit Moorea? and the answer is absolutely yes.
The climate of Moorea means there are lots of bugs around especially in the evenings and if you plan on doing any hikes. Therefore we recommend packing plenty of bug spray to take with you.
Again you will be able to buy some locally there won’t be much choice and it will be a lot more expensive that at home.
Anti Frizz hair Products
Moorea can get very humid especially if you are traveling in the rainy season. If your hair like mine gets frizzy with humidity be sure to pack plenty of anti frizz hair products with you.
Click here to shop anti frizz products
Conditioner and Detangler
With all the activities you will be doing combined with salt Walter and strength of sun we recommend having a good quality condition and some detangled spray for longer hair.
Travel Sickness Pills
You travel to Moorea from papeete the capital of TAhiti by ferry. ON top of that if you want to do snorkelling and other water sports you will be on boats a lot.
Therefore If you are prone to travel sickness be sure to have packed anti sickness travel medication with you.
Inflatables
Not an essential but if you want to have one with you and you have room in your case be sure to pack any inflatables that you and your family want to use.
Snorkel Gear
Snorkeling in Moorea is fantastic. Though you can rent snorkel equipment easily in Moorea it will be cheaper in the long term to have your own.
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer the traditional type of snorkel or the face mask type, both will work in Moorea.
Go Pro Camera
As I said Moorea snorkelling is amazing. To capture your underwater memories be sure to pack a go pro or another underwater camera to take with you.
Water Shoes
The waters of French Polynesia do have rock fish. Rock Fish and other poisonous fish are in the waters around Moorea so a pair of water shoes will help protect from them.
Also pieces of coral can be found on the beaches of Moorea and if it gets in your foot will hurt and curtail your abilities to do water sports in your Mooera vacation. A cheap pair of water shoes will help ensure your feet are protected and your vacation not spoiled.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is essential wherever you go in the world in my opinion but especially a place where you will be doing lots of outdoor activities and where there are hazards like rock fish.
Invest in a small travel first aid kit for all your travels here.
Water Bottle
Reducing plastic waste is essential for all travellers. Be sure to take a reusable water bottle like this on your trip to French Polynesia.
Games / Cards
Although a fabulous vacation Moorea isn’t known for a raucous night life. Therefore we recommend taking a variety of travel games and cards with you.
Click here to shop travel games.
FAQS about this Moorea Packing List
Do I need bug spray for Moorea?
Yes 100% you will need bug spray for Moorea.
Are credit cards accepted in Moorea?
Yes credit cards are accepted in Moorea so be sure to pack them however be sure to also have cash with you too.