Bora Bora is a dream destination for many travelers. The island in French Polynesia is famous for its turquoise lagoon, overwater bungalows, and stunning scenery. But when is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The answer depends on what you are looking for: weather, prices, crowds, or activities. In this blog post, we will help you find the best time to visit Bora Bora for every type of traveler.
Weather in Bora Bora by Months
Bora Bora has a tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. However, there are two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
Wet Season: December to March
The wet season in Bora Bora is also the summer season. The temperatures are slightly higher, ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The humidity is also higher, making it feel hotter and stickier.
The wet season is also the rainy season, with more frequent showers and thunderstorms. The average rainfall in January is 262 mm (10.3 inches), compared to 58 mm (2.3 inches) in August.
The wet season is also the cyclone season, although cyclones are rare and usually pass by quickly.
The wet season is not the best time to visit Bora Bora if you want clear skies and sunny days. However, it is not all bad. The rain usually comes in short bursts and does not last all day.
The lagoon water is warmer and more inviting for swimming and snorkeling. The vegetation is lush and green, and the flowers are blooming.
The wet season is also the low season for tourism, which means fewer crowds and lower prices.
Dry Season: April to November
The dry season in Bora Bora is also the winter season. The temperatures are slightly lower, ranging from 22°C to 29°C (72°F to 84°F).
The humidity is also lower, making it feel more comfortable and pleasant. The dry season is also the sunny season, with less rain and more blue skies.
The average rainfall in July is 80 mm (3.1 inches), compared to 262 mm (10.3 inches) in January. The dry season is also the calm season, with less wind and waves.
The dry season is the best time to visit Bora Bora if you want perfect weather and stunning views. However, it is not all good. The lagoon water is cooler and may require a wetsuit for some activities.
The vegetation is less vibrant and colorful, and some flowers may not be in season. The dry season is also the high season for tourism, which means more crowds and higher prices.
Related: Best Time to Visit Machu Pichu
Best Time to Visit Bora Bora by Month
Now that you know the general weather patterns in Bora Bora, let’s look at each month in more detail. Here are some pros and cons of visiting Bora Bora in each month of the year.
January
- Pros: Warm water, lush vegetation, low prices, fewer crowds
- Cons: Rainy weather, high humidity, cyclone risk
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: New Year’s Eve celebrations
February
- Pros: Warm water, lush vegetation, low prices
- Cons: Rainy weather, high humidity, cyclone risk
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: Chinese New Year celebrations
March
- Pros: Warm water, lush vegetation
- Cons: Rainy weather, high humidity
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: None
April
- Pros: Transition month with less rain and lower prices
- Cons: Still humid and cloudy
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: Easter celebrations
May
- Pros: Dry weather, comfortable temperature
- Cons: Cooler water
- Activities: Hiking, biking
- Events: None
June
- Pros: Dry weather, comfortable temperature
- Cons: Cooler water
- Activities: Hiking, biking
- Events: Heiva Festival (cultural festival with music and dance)
July
- Pros: Dry weather, comfortable temperature
- Cons: Cooler water, peak season prices, more crowds
- Activities: Hiking, biking, whale watching
- Events: Bastille Day celebrations, Heiva Festival (cultural festival with music and dance)
August
- Pros: Dry weather, comfortable temperature, whale watching
- Cons: Cooler water, peak season prices, more crowds
- Activities: Hiking, biking, whale
September
- Pros: Dry weather, comfortable temperature, whale watching
- Cons: Cooler water, high season prices
- Activities: Hiking, biking, whale watching
- Events: None
October
- Pros: Transition month with less crowds and lower prices
- Cons: Still dry and cool
- Activities: Hiking, biking, whale watching
- Events: Halloween celebrations
November
- Pros: Transition month with warmer water and lower prices
- Cons: More rain and humidity
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: None
December
- Pros: Warm water, lush vegetation
- Cons: Rainy weather, high humidity, cyclone risk
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, diving
- Events: Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no one best time to visit Bora Bora. It all depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want sunny and dry weather, visit in the dry season from April to November.
If you want warm and wet weather, visit in the wet season from December to March. If you want to avoid crowds and save money, visit in the low season from December to March or in the transition months of April and November. If you want to enjoy cultural events and whale watching, visit in the high season from June to October.
Whatever time of year you choose to visit Bora Bora, you will be amazed by its beauty and charm. Bora Bora is a paradise for every type of traveler.