Thanks to its year-round good climate, deciding on the best time to visit Easter Island can be tricky.
Whether you're taking a South Pacific cruise, Tahiti cruise or simply visiting by plane, there is tons to see and do on Easter Island.
The moai or stone statues are by far the biggest draw card to the island. Their remarkable size still has researches questioning how they were transported across the island.
If you're looking for shopping malls, galleries and towns, this is probably not the destination for you. But the statues are not the only thing on offer. There is plenty of activities including diving, surfing, horse riding, 4x4 trips, kayaking and much more!
No matter what time of year you travel, you'll have a great time. Saying that, when you travel will have an impact on what you can do.
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Best Time To Visit Easter Island
Below we have provided a guide on the best time to visit Easter Island depending on what you want to do. Always remember that showers are quite common and the trade winds can be string - so you will need to pack appropriately.
Best time to visit Easter Island for weather
As stated above, there is limited variation in temperature across both Winter and Summer.
Because Easter Island is essentially flat, you'll often feel the Antarctic ocean winds sweeping across the land from the sea. This often makes the temperature feel cooler than it actually is.
The temperatures during high Summer often reach around 82°F (27°C ), which can feel very pleasant, even in windy conditions. During Winter however, the temperatures are often around 70°F (21°C) which can feel quite cool in the wind.
When visiting Easter Island you should expect a little rain. Most months of the year will receive a fair amount of rain with April and May experiencing the most. The Summer period gets a little less, but you should still bring your rain jacket!
Best time to visit Easter Island for cruises
When it comes to Easter Island cruises, there is only a finite amount of options for when to travel.
Most expedition cruises to Easter Island tend to sail in the shoulder months between March and May, and August and October. There are several reasons for this.
Firstly, both shoulder periods experience pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for shore excursions. Secondly, the seas and wind are calmest during these periods. Winter tends to experience high winds, whilst Summer is the cyclone season.
Saying this, most large cruise line companies such as Holland America and Oceania Cruise tend to sail in the high Summer period. Itineraries are offered from both Tahiti and mainland Chile.
The high Summer period also coincides with the Summer holidays and, because of this, the island feels much more crowded at this time of year.
Best time to visit Easter Island for activities
The most popular way to explore Easter Island is either hiking, mountain biking or horse riding.
Each activity can be fairly strenuous and you should take into account weather conditions when deciding on which. The Summer winds and heavy humidity can often make hiking and biking a little uncomfortable.
Saying this, the warmer months are ideal for the water based activities such as surfing and kayaking. This is also the period when the waters are at their warmest, making diving excursions ideal.
The shoulder months are often a popular choice because they find a nice balance in temperature, allowing activities like mountain biking and hiking to be conducted in relative comfort.
It's really personal preference though. Some people handle the heat easily, whilst others prefer their activities in the cold.
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Expedition Cruise do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.
Video
Below is a short video by Viaggio Col Tubo that demonstrates some of things you can see and do on Easter Island. You will also note the wind...
FAQ
If you have any queries or questions regarding the best time to visit Easter Island, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
Thank you and happy travels!
Expedition Cruise Team