The weather is about 85 degrees year round. It is humid and rains almost every day! You get used to the rain and it eventually feels normal to be wet. But you dry out shortly because of the sunny weather.
Because of the heat and humidity, choose clothing that is light-weight and loose. Sisters opt to wear light flowy dresses and nothing tight.
The missionaries all wear tevas or chacos everyday. The Elders do wear Sunday church shoes for zone conference every 6 weeks, but that is all. Some Elders also wear the traditional Polynesian skirts (lava-lavas) to church on Sunday, but because of the biking, do not wear them all the time.
Missionaries are mostly on bikes.
Get a good, LIGHT rain coat or a poncho (ponchos can cover their backpacks while riding).
Missionaries stay in an area for 2-3 transfers. Missionaries are transferred to a smaller island by plane, where they are only allowed one larger suitcase and one carry-on because of the size of the plane. Their other suitcase stays at the mission office until they come back.
While toiletries and extra clothing can be purchased here, everything is very expensive and shipping to Tahiti can be quite costly as well. It is a good idea to send missionaries out with a good supply of things they will need.
Bring 2 quick drying towels, like Turkish cotton towels. They should be thin and dry out quickly.
Bringing some medicines is also a good idea- cold medicine, allergy tablets, antibacterial ointment, and anti-fungal creams are super helpful to bring with you.
Filtered water is provided to the missionaries to use for drinking and cooking.
A rechargeable fan is very nice to have.
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In places that allow open-toed sandals, these are the most recommended shoes by far.
These sandals are used in specific missions where allowed (Oceania). They have good traction so you won’t slip around in the mud.
Serve shirts have a ventilation panel in the side of the shirt making them noticeably more breathable. Missionaries serving in hot or humid places absolutely RAVE about this feature. The most popular shirt for hot-climate missions, for sure.