When is the best time to go to Fiji?

Fiji is a year-round destination with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The most popular time to visit is between May and October when the weather is at its best – think blue skies, low humidity and little to no rain. The monsoon season from November to April coincides with the off-season, but for travellers who don't mind a few downpours, it's a great time to explore without big crowds – excluding December which sees a rush of holiday season tourists. Travelling in the shoulder months is also a good option as the weather isn't too wet and crowds are fairly small.

What's the weather like in Fiji?

Like other South Pacific nations, Fiji has a tropical maritime climate with balmy weather all year – the temperature rarely dips below the low 20s (°C). There are two seasons: a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The wet season is hot and sticky with torrential (but often brief) downpours, with the highest rainfall occurring between January and March.

The water temperature ranges between a pleasant 25 to 30°C throughout the year, but if you want to go snorkelling or diving it’s best to go during the dry season as rainfall can affect water visibility.

Average temperatures in Fiji

MONTH

AVERAGE HIGH

AVERAGE LOW

January to March

30°C/86°F

24°C/75°F

April to June

28°C/82°F

22°C/72°F

July to September

26°C/79°F

21°C/70°F

October to December

28°C/82°F

23°C/73°F

Does Fiji experience cyclones?

Hot and humid weather creates ideal conditions for tropical cyclones, with January and February most likely to see extreme weather. Cyclones may result in heavy rainfall, gale-force winds, storm surges and flooding, however, Fiji has a great weather warning system in place and there are plenty of local alerts to stay safe.

For the best weather – July and August

July and August offer the best chance of great weather with minimal rain. The average temperature lingers at 26°C and there are just five days of precipitation each month. With such fine weather, the trade-off is bigger crowds and higher accommodation prices – particularly around the winter school holiday period in Australia and New Zealand – so you may want to factor this in if you’re looking for a quieter, (even) more laid-back holiday.

For good weather and smallish crowds – April/May or October/November

The heavy rain usually tapers down in April and is almost gone by May. Plus, you’ll avoid the influx of Australian and New Zealand tourists who flock to Fiji for some winter sun. November is another option for dryish weather and smaller crowds before the festive rush. It might be a little wet, but this makes the waterfalls even more spectacular.

For snorkelling and diving – June to October

The water is warm all year but the wet season rain can reduce water visibility, making it harder to see all the colourful critters and coral reefs. If you’re keen to jump in and explore Fiji’s vivid underwater world, you'll probably want to book your trip in the dry season – ideally between June and October.

For festivals

Fijians have a rich culture, so if you're looking to learn about the traditional customs of this island nation, you could align your trip with one of these popular festivals:

  • Hibiscus Festival (August): a nine-day community celebration in Suva with traditional music, food stalls and the crowning of the ‘Hibiscus Queen'.
  • Bula Festival (July/August): a week-long festival in Nadi to celebrate Fijian culture with colourful floats, music, feasting and dancing.
  • South Indian Fire Walking Festival (July/August): a popular Indo-Fijian event that signifies the end of 10 days of abstinence to worship the goddess Maha Devi.
  • Lautoka Sugar Festival (September): join locals in 'Sugar City' (Lautoka) to party and celebrate this prosperous trade.

Learn more about festivals in Fiji

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