The past few months have certainly been tough on all of us, with Covid-19 spreading its way across the globe. We’ve risen to the challenges of a new way of living – shutting our respective borders and staying inside our homes.
Now, we’re beginning to cautiously re-emerge.
Sitting home longing for a break from the endless monotony, you may have heard about the proposed Trans-Tasman travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand. While nothing is finalised yet, we’re very excited to let you know that Fiji is also in talks with Australia and New Zealand! We’re hoping to be included in the travel bubble that will allow us to open our doors to you again soon.
With this hopeful news, you may be itching to jump on the first plane over for some serious de-stressing, cocktail in your hand and powdery white sand between your toes!
But if you’re wondering when the best time of year to travel to Fiji is, we’ve provided a run-down of what to expect from Fiji’s seasons. Read on to find out which months are best for you, based on what you’re planning on doing.
The Weather in Fiji
Fiji has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with an average annual temperature of 25°C. This is great if you’re fleeing the winter chill!
Fiji’s Dry Season
We have our dry season between May and October. This coincides with the Southern Hemisphere winter.
Rainfall and humidity levels are lower, and there is a much lower probability of a cyclone. Temperatures are also cooler, so if you struggle with temperatures at or above 30°C, this may be the ideal time for you.
Here in the Yasawa Island group, average temperatures are higher than 25°C even in winter.
This is also our peak season for travel in Fiji, so there may be more people at the resort. Prices peak in June and July, too.
Fiji’s Wet Season
Our wet season falls between December and April.
This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, although it’s quite rare for the country to experience a severe cyclone (usually there are about three every decade). Milder cyclones occur more often, with approximately one per year.
The weather is hotter and as the name suggests – rainier and more humid. This doesn’t mean it rains all day, though. Downpours tend to be heavy bursts of rain that pelt the landscape with tropical ferocity and then leave as quickly as they came. The clouds disperse, and the sun peeks out. Steaming puddles glow in the golden light, and the land is refreshed. There’s a majesty to a tropical rainstorm, so don’t discount this time of year in Fiji.
The wettest months are February-April. February wins the prize for being the hottest and wettest. Though, being low season, you will find some bargain holiday options. Cocktails and afternoon storms actually go quite nicely together or so I’m told…
The Yasawa Island group gets less rain than the mainland, too – making this a great time to visit us here at Mantaray Island Resort.
December and January can get busy, with the Australian/New Zealand school holidays. The shoulder seasons (February to April, and November) are good times to visit if you like to travel when it’s a bit quieter and cheaper.
So now that you know what Fiji’s seasons are like let’s find out the best time for your favourite activities. While some, such as swimming and hiking, can be enjoyed all year, others are best during certain months.
The Best Time to Dive in Fiji
Fiji’s waters are home to some of the most colourful soft coral species in the world. Diving here, you can expect to see incredible bursts of colour, as well as a multitude of different marine creatures that live on and around the reefs.
You can also take part in thrilling shark, wreck and night dives to see more of what makes our marine environment special.
The winter months, between May and October, offer the best visibility. This is because heavy rains during summer cause soil to run off the land and into rivers, which eventually flow into the ocean. So, less rain = incredible visibility of up to 40m.
The Best Time to Swim with Manta Rays
One of the most incredible marine encounters in the world is possible right on our doorstep. Few places in the world offer guests the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays, here at Mantaray Island Resort, you can do just that!
Manta ray swimming trips are held between May and October when the gentle giants visit the channel in front of the resort to feed. If this is on your bucket list, plan to visit during the Fijian dry season.
The Best Time to Get Married in Fiji
What could be better than getting married on the powdery white sands of a beautiful Fijian beach, with limpid blue water sparkling behind you and the vivid tropical greenery stretching away inland?
Anytime is a great time for a Fijian wedding! Having said that, think about your hopes for the day.
Would it be spoilt if it were to rain? Or do you believe that it’s good luck for it to rain on your wedding day? Consider whether there’s a nearby venue undercover that you’d be happy to use if need be.
Remember that summer temperatures and humidity may affect how your hair and make-up behave. Plan to bring products along to combat frizz, for instance. But, don’t worry the hair and make-up stylists in Fiji know all the tricks of the trade. Most have arsenal
The Best Time to Surf in Fiji
The southern Mamanuca Island group offers some of the best surf breaks in Fiji. You can do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups on your way up to Mantaray Island Resort.
From around May until October, there are usually consistent southerly swells and surf breaks, like the world-famous Cloudbreak. While this break is only for very experienced surfers, there are options for beginner and intermediate surfers too.
Besides the activities mentioned above, Fiji also has many exciting festivals on throughout the year, so it’s always a good time to visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Fiji soon!