The best time to go to Fiji

Set your internal clock to “Fiji time”: exploring the archipelago’s exquisite beaches, undersea marvels, lush interiors and fascinating culture shouldn’t be rushed. To help you plan when to go to Fiji, here’s a month by month breakdown of what’s happening across the country, and what kind of weather you can expect.

Fijians celebrate a variety of holidays and festivals. Exact dates vary from year to year but are given in advance on the government’s website. From surfing conditions to cheapest accommodation prices, here are the best times to visit Fiji. 

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Fiji before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice. All events are subject to change.

High season: June to September, December and January

Best time for those tied to school holidays

The high seasons coincide with the school holidays in Australia and New Zealand. Prices go up by 10% to 20%; costs peak in June and July. June and July are also the coolest, driest months, with pleasant temperatures.

Shoulder season: May and October

Best time for milder temperatures

The shoulder season includes the “Fijian winter” or dry season (May to October), bringing low rainfall, low humidity, milder temperatures and a lower risk of cyclones. Outside of high season you’ll frequently find useful discounts and lower walk-in rates.

Low season: November, February to April

Best time for budget travelers

November to April is Fiji’s wet season, with heavy rains and high humidity. There are fewer tourists in Fiji, and a greater chance of getting reduced rates on accommodation.

January

January brings hot and wet weather to Fiji, and possibly cyclones too. Although temperatures rise above 86°F (30°C) at this time of year, Fiji’s seasonal variations are not pronounced and this is only 41°F (5°C) above the yearly average. Humidity, however, will make it seem hotter. New Year’s Day is celebrated with much fervour in Fiji, with some parts of the country having festivities the entire month. In Suva, the New Year is welcomed in with fireworks and street parties.
Key events: New Year’s Day.

February

Although only 10 to 15 cyclones strike Fiji each decade (usually between November and April), there is a greater risk of encountering one during February. Holi (also called Phagua locally) is celebrated by Hindu Indo-Fijians around this time by joyfully throwing colored powder at one another. Most celebrate it the day after the full moon in March.
Key events: Holi.

March

The wet season continues and this is usually Nadi’s wettest month, with an average rainfall of 324mm, and temperatures reaching a high of 88°F (31°C). The Hindu religious festival of Ram Naumi is held in late March or early April, and you may see worshippers wade into the water at Suva Bay to throw flowers.
Key events: Ram Naumi (Birth of Lord Rama). 

April

Heavier-than-average rains continue until mid-April, but by the end of the month, the wet season is officially over and humidity levels – thankfully – start to drop. Temperatures remain high though, at around 88°F (31°C).
Key events: The Fijian Crosswalk, Easter. 

May

With the start of the dry season, water visibility increases and divers should enjoy excellent clarity from now until October. Fiji’s easterly and southeasterly trade winds become more persistent. Consistent southerly swells make May a great time to surf; the best surfing is at Cloudbreak. This weather pattern keeps the breaks large until October.
Key events: Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day.

June

Pleasant temperatures, low humidity and fine days kick off Fiji’s peak tourist season. The trade winds that begin in May continue to provide perfect conditions for windsurfers and kiteboarders around Nananu-i-Ra. Favorable windsurfing conditions persist here well into July.
Key events: National Sports Day.

July

July is one of Fiji’s coldest and driest months; the days are pleasant (around 75°F/24°C) and nighttime temperatures sink to around 64°F (18°C). Temperature-wise, this is an ideal time to visit, but it is high season so is likely to be busier and more expensive. The Bula Festival, one of Fiji’s biggest festivals, is a week-long party held in Nadi.
Key events: Bula Festival.

August

Winter temperatures continue, and a light sweater will be needed during the cooler nights. Days remain warm and dry. Ocean temperatures reach their lowest monthly average but are entirely swimmable at 74°F (23°C). There are a couple of major festivals at this time too; the nine-day-long Hibiscus Festival, held in Suva, and the South Indian Fire-Walking Festival (sometimes held in July). 
Key events: Hibiscus Festival, South Indian Fire-Walking Festival.

September

The reliably fine weather continues although Fiji’s peak tourist season begins to wind down. There are several major festivals in September, including the annual regatta, held at Musket Cove Marina, that lures avid yachties and party people from around the world.
Key events: Fiji Regatta Week, Sugar Festival, Friendly North Festival.

October

The cooler dry season ends and temperatures begin to climb as the Southern Hemisphere moves towards its summer. There’s a lot going on too. Week-long celebrations focus on the diversity of Fijian and Indo-Fijian cultures, culminating on Fiji Day (October 10), which marks the country's independence from British colonial rule. Diwali (sometimes falling in November) is when Hindu families decorate their homes with lights and pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The Uprising Festival is a 12-hour marathon of music and performing arts timed to coincide with Diwali. 
Key events: Ram Leela (Play of Rama), Diwali (Festival of Lights), Fiji Week, Uprising Festival of Music, Dance and Lights.

November

Fiji’s wet season starts in November and continues across summer until April. The mountains of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu create wet climatic zones on their windward (southeastern) sides and dry climatic zones on their leeward (northwestern) sides. This is the time to try a local delicacy: blue, edible sea worms rise at midnight about a week after November's full moon. Many island communities celebrate the annual harvest with songs and feasts.
Key events: Balolo Rising.

December

The rainy season arrives in earnest, though travel is still entirely possible. Rain showers are usually heavy but brief and followed by steamy, sunny spells. Six weeks of dancing and partying kick off on December 1 as Rotumans celebrate Fara, during which groups of performers visit villages and homes, entertaining their hosts.
Key events: Fara, Your Paradise, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve.