When to Go

Most people visit in summer, between December and March, often coinciding with Tapati Rapa Nui, a two-week celebration of music and dancing in the first two weeks of February. Temperatures can soar above 27°C (81°F) in summer. In winter, temperatures reach an average of 22°C (72°F), although brisk winds can often make it feel much cooler. Be sure to bring a light jacket. The wettest months are May and June.

Festivals

The annual Tapati Rapa Nui festival, a two-week celebration of the island's heritage, takes place every year in February. The normally laid-back Hanga Roa bursts to life in a colorful music and dance festival. The Día de la Lengua (Language Day), which usually takes place in early November, celebrates the Rapa Nui language.