Best Time to Visit Fiji

The best time to visit Fiji is October end and early November. When it comes to visiting Fiji, all days might not be the same, but there can never be a bad day. So, what exactly comes to your mind when you picturise a tropical paradise? Well, Fiji might perfectly fulfil your expectations if you put colours to your imagination. Magical is the term you can use if you want to describe Fiji in one word.

Dry Season

• Time Period:  May to September
• Temperature Range: 24 to 29 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 157 mm

The best time to visit Fiji is during its dry season, which lasts approximately from May to September. But the best chance of encountering no rain at all can be the months of July and August. Nevertheless, don’t forget to get your rain boots out for four to six days if you visit Fiji during this time.

The temperature usually remains in the high twenties, which makes it moderate enough to not need your woollies. Still, you won’t need an air conditioner either as the temperature can drop to 20 degrees celsius at night.

Here are a few activities you can enjoy in Fiji during this season:

1. Swim in the magnificent Sawa-i-Lau Caves

2. Go snorkelling with Manta Rays in the Yasawa Islands

3. Soak your body in the Sabeto Mud Pools

4. Experience scuba diving in the Great Astrolabe Reef

5. Check out the majestic Bouma Falls

6. Relax through a luxurious Spa Day

7. Have the Most Adventurous Day with Wildlife, Waterslides and Ziprails at the Kula Wild Adventure Park

Wet Season

• Time Period:  November to March
• Temperature Range: 24 to 31 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 371mm

Fiji’s winter is its wet season which lasts approximately between November and March. During these months, you can expect an average of 2 weeks of rainfall in total. This means that even the wet season has mostly sunny days and blue skies.

The only difference between the dry and wet seasons is that there is less crowd during the latter. Almost all the schools and offices are open during this time hence fewer travellers. However, it can be a great time to witness Fiji’s majestic waterfalls at their peak. You can expect to see 100 waterfalls during your journey through the river.

Here are some activities you can enjoy and some places to visit in Fiji in the wet season:

1. Visit the majestic Biausevu Waterfall

2. Try out a Fijian Cooking Class

3. Go scuba diving with sharks in Barefoot Kuata Resort

4. Join a Dolphin Cruise on the Suncoast

5. Take a tour of Levuka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

6. Discover another side of Fiji on an Off-Road Cave Safari

7. Visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant

• Time Period:  October to April
• Temperature Range: 25 to 27 degrees Celsius
• Average Rainfall: 134mm

The months between October and April are not considered to be very enjoyable in Fiji. These months also experience rain but lesser than the rainy season. However, there is always a chance of cyclone formation, like in the rest of the South Pacific islands. The chances of experiencing one are the highest between December and March. Cyclones are not common phenomena. However, you will likely experience big storms during your visit.

This dreamy South Pacific archipelago has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Hence, it is always one of the busiest tourist destinations. If you want to travel to Fiji from India and you are on a budget, then you might have to do a little research. Even though it has tourists all through the year, the month of April is considered to be the cheapest because it sees the lowest number of tourists. The costs of flight tickets and accommodation are quite reasonable during this time.

If you are planning to visit Fiji around April, there are high chances of you encountering storms and rainfall. It’s important to pack accordingly to stay safe from rainstorms.

You might find most of the water activities closed during this time. The cruises, boats and beaches might be closed down for the general public to keep them safe from thunderstorms. It’s better to stay indoors, preferably in a beautiful resort or hotel, instead of going down to the beaches.

Now that you know the best time to visit Fiji, it would help if you learned a few things before planning your trip:

• You don’t have to worry if you see people walking around with machetes. People in rural or village areas use this for their work.
• “Bula” and “Vinaka” are the two most common words you will hear when in Fiji. You should consider learning these two to greet the Fijian people with greetings and smiles. Bula is the Fijian greeting, and Vinaka means "thank you".
• Avoid eating reef fish in Fiji or on any South Pacific Island. These shallow water fish sometimes get infected due to a toxic bloom.
• The national speed limit is set at 80 kmph by police. So, if you are caught speeding up, you might have to pay a fine.
• Fijian Christians are very particular about their religion and visit the church every Sunday.
• Go shopping for the local products in Fiji; they are way cheaper than the exported goods.
• Refrain from wearing revealing clothes when visiting small towns and villages. It is advisable that women cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants & men should consider wearing long shorts and shirts.
• You will encounter more animals than humans on the roads of Fiji. Hence, stay alert while on the road driving, biking or just walking.
• Music is the soul of Fiji. When you arrive, you will be greeted with cheerful singing.
• Fijian tradition and culture will surprise you every minute. For example, if you have booked a honeymoon Fiji package, you might receive a frangipani behind your right ear, which means you are married. If it is behind your left ear, it shows that you are unmarried.
• If you get a chance to experience the Kava Ceremony, do not miss it. This drink, made from a root-based plan, is believed to soothe your soul. If the Fijian leader offers you a bilo (cup), drink it at once and say "Bula", which means Good Health.

Here is a list of tips that you can go through to ensure you have the perfect trip to Fiji:

• Avoid travelling at night as it is not safe, especially for women. It will be better if you get a taxi if you are out at that time.
• Always choose to drink filtered or boiled water. Also, avoid rock melons and make sure that your food is piping hot.
• Always carry mosquito repellent spray or cream, especially in the evenings.
• Tipping is not acceptable in hotels and restaurants. However, you can contribute in fund boxes such as the Christmas Fund box, placed at the check-in counter, which is later fairly distributed among the workers.
• When you are visiting a small village or community, make sure you bring a little gift. This is considered their welcoming culture. This gift-giving ritual is known as "Sevusevu”.
• Make sure that you carry cash with you at all times, as there are limited ATMs in Fiji. Some shops might accept credit cards.
• You can find free one-on-one babysitting facilities among the Fijians as they take family very seriously.
• Do not go shopping on Sundays as it will be a waste of time. Most of the shops are closed due to Church visits.

You can consider learning these few Fijian terms before you book those Fiji tour packages from India:

• Greetings or good health: Bula
• Thank you: Vinaka
• Goodbye: Moce
• Morning greeting: Yadra
• Please: Kerekere
• How are you?: Vacava tiko
• I love you: Au domoni iko
• No worries: Sega na leqa
• See you later: Sota tale
• Sit down: Dabe ira
• Stand up: Tucake
• Come and eat: Mai kana
• Why?: Baleta
• Have a safe journey: Vainui vinaka e nomu volau

By now, you should have an idea of the best time to visit Fiji, what you can do there, and what the best Fiji tourist attractions are. Buy something locally made from a local souvenir store and say “Moce" or maybe 'Sota tale” to the friendly Fijians.

However, it is advisable to get travel insurance before booking your flight tickets. It will provide coverage if you lose your luggage, passport, etc. Having a travel policy will provide you with a piece of mind in the picturesque land of Fiji.