When is the best time to visit Fiji?

Fiji and New Zealand

When you’re planning a trip to Fiji, maybe as part of a combined Australia/New Zealand trip, you might be asking yourself “when is the best time to visit Fiji”?

The short answer is  - anytime!. But depending on what you’re looking for in your Fiji holiday, one season might be better for you than another.

View Fiji and New Zealand Packages and Itineraries.

View Fiji, Australia and New Zealand Packages and Itineraries

Fiji

Fiji’s climate

Being located in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji has a tropical climate. The country has two main seasons, Dry Season (May to October) and Rainy Season (November to April).

Additionally, the weather can also vary depending on the location of the islands. The northern and western parts of Fiji see less annual rainfall than the southeast and also get less rain during wet season. 

Wet Season (November to April)

While the thought of rain in paradise can shy people away from visiting Fiji, it’s not even half bad. While, yes, it rains more during wet season, the rain doesn’t usually last all day. The wet weather comes in cells, most of them unleashing in the late afternoon or at night, leaving most of the day reasonably dry. 

Temperatures in Fiji’s wet season range around 26°C -27°C | 78.8°F - 80.6°F and humidity is  between 80% and 85%. So even though the temperatures are similar to dry season, it does generally feel a bit hotter and stickier in rainy season.

When is hurricane season in Fiji?

In the Pacific Ocean, hurricanes are called cyclones. They form during Fiji’s wet season between November and April. Predictions of cyclones are quite difficult and it’s possible that one year sees multiple cyclones while other years have none. What’s more, not all islands may be equally affected by bad weather. 

While it is important to know when cyclone season is in Fiji, it shouldn’t put you off your holidays during this season. 

Nadi gardens

Dry Season (May to October)

The dry season is the best time to visit Fiji for most visitors. The weather is generally calm and steady and the temperatures range between balmy 23°C and 25°C | 73.4°F and 77°F. Because there is less rain, the humidity ranges from 77% to 79%. 

The busiest time to visit Fiji

The dry season (May to October), as well as December, will see the most visitors in Fiji. The main reason for this is the calmer and more predictable weather. But not only that. 

Fiji is reasonably easy to reach from New Zealand and Australia’s East Coast. Both countries are in the midst of winter from May to October and like to escape to Fiji to soak up some sun and warmth. 

It can get especially busy in Fiji during Australia’s and New Zealand’s school holidays and public holidays (bank holidays). 

December is a popular month to travel worldwide, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Fiji is one of the first countries to celebrate New Year’s and it’s a special feeling to be among the first to greet the sun on New Year’s Day. 

Luxurious tropical islands of Fiji

When is the most expensive time to visit Fiji?

The busiest time to visit Fiji is also the most expensive time - June, July, August as well as December. 

As this is the country’s high season for travellers, flight rates as well as hotel nights cost more than other months of the year. Do ask your travel agent, though, they might just be able to find a date and destination with an awesome deal for you, even during the most expensive time. 

What are the cheaper months to visit Fiji?

If you visit Fiji during rainy season (November to April), you should be able to find some pretty good rates. 

A great moment to visit is just when it switches between wet and dry season. The rates are lower than during high season but you if you’re lucky, you still won’t get a drop of rain during your stay. 

What is the best time for surfing in Fiji?

Pictures of Fiji usually consist of a white beach, tropically lush green palms and a sea of different shades of blue, flat as a pancake. It may come as a surprise to you but Fiji is a great surfing destination with big swells.

The best time for surfing in Fiji is from March to October when the southeastern trade winds are common, producing high quality waves.

Surfing Fiji

What is the best time for diving and snorkling in Fiji?

Not quite a big a surprise is that Fiji is a popular diving destination. With over 300 islands, there are plenty of coral reefs, atolls and even a shipwreck to explore. Diving in Fiji is excellent year-round and the Mamanuca Islands tend to be the biggest people-pleaser of them all. 

The water temperature always lies at 27°C | 80.6°F in average, with a visibility of 30 meters | 98.4ft under water!

So, when is the best time to visit Fiji?

Every season has its pros and its cons. While the rainy season is less bustling with visitors, there is a chance of, well, rain (albeit mostly at night). Dry season hardly sees any rain but tends to be more expensive due to the season’s popularity. 

Try and think about what’s most important to you in a Fiji holiday and let us know. We’re happy to suggest the right island and season for you to visit.
 

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Alexandra Diethelm
By
Alexandra Diethelm
: 1 Nov 2022 (Last updated: 29 Sep 2023)

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