Destination: Fiji

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

When to Go

The best time to visit is during the so-called ‘Fijian winter’ or ‘dry season’, from May to October. This time of year is more pleasant with lower rainfall and humidity, milder temperatures and less risk of meteorological hazards such as cyclones. Consequently these six months make up the high season, when airfare and accommodation costs are at their highest. Expect costs to peak in June and July.

Fiji’s ‘wet season’ is from November to April, with the heaviest rains falling from December to mid-April. This is when tropical cyclones, or hurricanes, are most likely to occur. Strong, destructive cyclones are, however, a fairly rare phenomenon in Fiji. The country has been hit by an average of 10 to 12 cyclones per decade, with only two or three of these being very severe.

If you’re travelling during the wet season it’s best to head to drier regions such as the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. That said, December and January are also busy months as they coincide with school holidays in both Australia and New Zealand, and Fijians visiting relatives. In February and March, and even November, however, Fiji sees fewer tourists and you’re more likely to get bargains on your accommodation. The temperature during these months is also fairly appealing so you get the best of both worlds. The Diwali Festival is held in late October or early November and can be a fun, if manic time to be in Fiji.

Fijian school holidays can have an impact on accommodation availability. They generally last for two weeks from late April to early to mid-May and mid-August to early September. Summer holidays run from early December to late January.

Travelling to Fiji?
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