The Best Time to Visit Fiji

See Also

• Where To Lodge in Fiji

What is the best time to visit Fiji?

May through June and September through October offer optimal weather conditions in Fiji while avoiding July and August`s peak crowds. These months present good deals on hotels as well as favorable conditions for sightseeing and water activities.

• Prime Period to Visit Fiji: May, June, September and October.
• Best Time for Good Weather in Fiji: May through October.
• The prime time for sightseeing excursions is May through October.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: May through October.
• Best Period for Diving & Snorkeling: May to October.
• Top Time for Outdoor Activities: May to October.
• Optimal Time for Nightlife: Anytime works, but smaller, more remote islands may have fewer options during the rainy season (November to April).
• Best Time for Saving Money: Avoid the peak seasons (July, August, December, and January), when expanded demand means expanded hotel rates, and sometimes, reserved-out flights and vessels.
• Best Season for Sightseeing: There are 2 crucial aspects to consider when deciding when to travel. First is the peak times, including the longest school holiday periods in Australia and New Zealand (spanning mid-December through January), as well as the main European vacations in July, particularly August. The second factor relates to wet weather, lasting from November through April. During this phase typhoons are not unheard of, heavy rain is frequently, and humidity levels can be draining. Therefore, the best periods to visit are May, June, September, and October.”
• Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling: Calmer and clearer waters are most likely during the dry season (May to October), and probably a month before and after. In the wet season, the waves and winds can churn the water, affecting visibility, but this is less problematic in the calm and non-tidal lagoons that surround many of the atolls and even larger islands.
• Prime Season for Outdoor Activities: Not surprisingly, weather impacts accessibility and enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. Heavy rains triggering landslides, high surf and strong winds during the rainy season (November to April) can make conditions unfavorable. Avoid heading outdoors altogether during cyclonic weather. Hiking and surfing are best from May to October, while rafting is optimal from December to May.
• Ideal Times for Beaches: The dry season (May to October) is often referred to locally as ‘winter’. Daytime temperatures regularly hover around 25°C, remaining comparatively cooler later in the afternoon and during the evening, but the ocean stays a constantly inviting temperature. Swimming may perhaps be more appealing during the wet season seeking relief from heat and humidity, but obviously avoid any inclement weather (particularly lightning). And never forget the sun protection, even if mild or cloudy.

Fiji Travel Seasons

• High Season (July, August, December, and January): This coincides with the European vacation period and the school breaks in Australia and New Zealand. The peak of peaks is August, and around the Christmas/New Year timeframe, when hotel rates peak and inter-island boats and planes are often completely booked – so reserve ahead. And remember: December and January are also in the middle of the rainy season, with cyclones always possible and cancelled boat/plane trips not uncommon.
• Shoulder Season (May, June, September, and October): These months are either side of the beginning and ending of the wet season, and exclude the peak holiday periods. The weather at this time is highly comfortable – with clear, cool and dry days – and prices haven’t increased yet. Traveling around is straightforward, and outdoor events commence after the cyclone season.
• Low Season (November, February, March, and April): During this time, hotel rates significantly decrease, and securing seats on boats and planes is never an issue – though services can be cancelled owing to inclement conditions. However, rain is frequent, humidity often unpleasant, and cyclonic events always possible.

Fiji Weather by Month

• Weather Conditions in Fiji for the Month of January: Still at the peak season for visitors from Australia and New Zealand when school holidays are occurring, this month falls within the rainy season. On days without rain, temperatures are a few degrees higher (approximately 30°C on average) than the preceding month, but high humidity may cause some tourists to remain indoors. Always check local news media reports, hotel notifications and the official website for possible cyclonic storms.
• Fiji Weather in February: During this month, cyclones pose the greatest danger. On average, one cyclone passes through each year. Some years have none, but in April 2018 there were 2 within a week, and Winston, the most powerful ever in the South Pacific, caused havoc in February 2016. While most cyclones miss major tourist areas, their peripheral winds and rains still make travel by plane, boat, or even road nearly impossible.
• Fiji Weather in March: In many areas, especially the main islands, this is the wettest month, with Suva experiencing rain on 23 of 31 days. Downpours are usually brief but heavy, with sunshine immediately after, rather than cloudy drizzles that last days. But still expect possibly rough travel on boats, cancelled flights, and maybe, flooded and damaged roads.
• Fiji Weather in April: As the heavy rains begin to diminish by mid-month, locals are evidently relieved. This marks the end of the official cyclone season and humidity levels decrease. But don’t put away your umbrella and wet-weather gear just yet.
• Fiji Weather in May: The dry season begins and cyclones are no longer expected. The climate quickly grows cooler and drier, although lighter rains may persist for up to two additional weeks. Waters become clearer for snorkelers and divers, as milder winds and waves signal the start of the surfing season.
• Weather Conditions in Fiji in June: Usually ideal conditions, with heavy rainfall (hopefully) gone, low humidity, and endless dry and clear days coinciding with the start of the busier season. Nights have cooler temperatures, making it easier to sleep, and taking an extra layer with you after dark isn’t as unreasonable as it sounds.
• Weather in Fiji in July: By now, even locals occasionally complain about the ‘cold weather’! Day after day remains pleasant and cool with little or no rain. And temperatures can become comparatively chilly at night down to 18°C.
• Fiji Weather in August: As the nights transition cooler, and the days persist milder relatively than hot, any heavy rain is likely to generate front page news. The downside is the masses arriving from Europe, where ironically, it’s probably hotter. Water temperatures are a little cooler, but the sea remains very swimmable.
• Fiji Weather in September: One of the optimal months, with continuing arid and pleasant conditions and a significant reduction in tourist numbers and hotel pricing.
• Fiji Weather in October: The closing month for calm and dried weather, with anxiety developing among locals as potential storms loom. Some marine recreational centers reduce speed or even shut down, with diving and snorkeling increasingly troublesome due to cloudy waters. Surfers pack away their boards and go elsewhere as the temperature and moisture increase.
• Fiji Weather in November: Start of the rainy season, also called the ‘summer’, which continues until April. Temperatures increase slightly (in Celsius), while the humidity becomes noticeably more bothersome. And cyclones are now possible at any time, so remain vigilant. On the major mountainous islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu the weather can differ along the different coastlines.
• Weather in Fiji in December: The rainy season continues, with periods of heavy precipitation that could affect holidays, exacerbated by high humidity (especially before rain) and big crowds during the Australian and New Zealand school holidays. Boat and plane trips may be postponed, and roads sometimes flooded, but rain is often brief and floods quite rare, while there’s still sunshine on many days.

Fiji Holidays, Events & Festivals

Fiji Events in January

• January 1st – celebrated by everyone, with festivities that sometimes last a week, even the whole month. Usually includes a coconut tree climbing challenge at Denarau on the main island.
• Chinese New Year (January/February, variable) – The sizable Chinese ethnic groups in larger towns enthusiastically celebrate this including customary lion dances.
• Thaipusam (January/February, variable dates) – Hindu Fiji-Indians celebrate for about 10 days at the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple in downtown Nadi.

Fiji Events in February

• A boisterous Hindu festival celebrated particularly at the Sri Suva Subramaniya temple in Nadi sometime in February/March.

Fiji Events in March

• Holi (1 day after the full moon) – The festival of Colors is celebrated worldwide, also by Fiji-Indians to symbolize good’s victory over evil. Participants generously pour colored liquids over one another and share desserts.
• Ram Navami (March/April, alterable) – another Hindu festival, celebrated more in homes than temples. Some worshipers in Suva enter the sea and scatter flowers.
• National Youth Day (26th) – a UN-sanctioned public holiday.

Fiji Events in April

• Easter (March/April, changeable) – as a country of (mostly) devout Christians, Easter is celebrated passionately throughout the islands; even more so in villages. Easter Sunday is a time to visit churches as many shops and restaurants close for up to 4 days, sometimes the whole Holy Week, while Good Friday, the subsequent Sunday, and Monday are public holidays. Some particularly pious worshipers undertake the Fijian Crosswalk, carrying a wooden cross over 200km from Suva to Nadi.

Fiji Events in May

• Fiji Pro (May and June) – international surfing contest at the Mamanuca Islands.

Fiji Events in June

• Queen’s Birthday (15th) – still observed by some royal supporters, but no longer a public holiday.
• The Ascension of Christ (changeable) – public holiday occurring 40 days after Easter Sunday.

Fiji Events in July

• Bula Festival (July/August, changeable) – to coincide with the middle of the peak seasons for weather and tourist numbers, this incredible week-long festival in Nadi celebrates all things Fijian, with parades, food stalls, and a Miss Bula pageant.
• Fire-walking (July/August, changeable) – not the traditional kind, but something a few Hindus in Suva undertake, presumably rather gingerly.

Fiji Events in August

• Fiji Hibiscus Festival (changeable) – held in Suva for up to 9 days, it attracts visitors from across Fiji for cultural performances, parades, live music, and a beauty pageant. Plenty of fun for the whole family.

Fiji Events in September

• Day of the Constitution (2nd) – a public holiday, also called Tonga National Day, which can move to the nearest Monday.
• Sugar Festival (changeable) – pleasant Lautoka town, north of Nadi, hosts parades as well as another beauty contest above a week.
• Friendly North Festival (changeable date) – a long established event held at Labas on Vanua Levu island.
• Coral Coast Festival (date varies) – additional parades, dances and music held in Sigatoka on the main island.
• Sailing enthusiasts will find the Fiji Regatta an excellent weeklong competition based at the Musket Cove Marina on Malolo Lailai Island.

Fiji Events in October

• Most Favorable Household Hotel: Lucy’s Garden Hotel
• Diwali (October/November, changeable) – this significant worldwide festival is celebrated by Hindus. Lighting fixtures, lights, and candles are hung on homes. As part of the festivities, musical and dance presentations are held at the Uprising Resort in Pacific Harbour.

Fiji Events in November

• Emergence of the Balolo (date varies) – for about a week following the full moon, communities across the islands celebrate the harvest of sea worms with lots of singing, dancing and eating.
• Savusavu Music Festival (date varies) – a weeklong event featuring both local and international musicians and dancers held in the charming town of Savusavu on Vanua Levu Island.

Fiji Events in December

• Fara Festival (December and early January) – For around 6 weeks on the remote Rotuma Island, there is much dancing, singing, eating, and consuming of drinks as festivities peak in earnest.
• Christmas Day (December 25th) – a significant religious festival for most residents of Fiji where many shops and restaurants remain closed for multiple days and public transportation options are very limited.
• Boxing Day (26th) – Christmas festivities carry on with this public vacation day.
• New Year’s Eve – Fijians love to commemorate the changing of years with parties, much drinking and fireworks (most noticeably in Suva).