Seasonal· Raivavae· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Australs Cyclone Season
23° 52.2′ S · 147° 39.6′ W · approximate
From December to April the convergence zone stalls over the Australs, bringing a real risk of tropical depressions and cyclones that track down from the Cook Islands and Tahiti.
Practical
Coordinate is Raivavae, the island cruisers consider to have the most storm-protected anchorages in the group (Elma 2024), although its 3-day stay rule now limits that role. Pitufa: southern summer is the most pleasant season but overlaps cyclone season, and cyclone risk is highest when the SPCZ is very active. Météo-France issues a cyclone outlook every Tuesday from November 1 to April 30. No haul-out exists in the Australs; the nearest yards are Raiatea and Tahiti (Societies) or Apataki (Tuamotus).
Best for
Deciding when to leave
Season
Dec-Apr (cyclone season Nov-Apr)