Heading to Fiji is a major trip for most people, perhaps even a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You want to make sure you get the most out of it. Naturally you’re going to wonder when is the best time to travel to Fiji to fit in all of the activities you’re dreamed of.
The good news is there isn’t a bad time to visit Fiji. The weather and waves in Fiji are fairly consistent year-round. You can expect warm, tropical weather any time of year. Even the water temperature is consistently in the mid-70 to mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit range, so you can always swim and enjoy our beaches and other water activities.
That said, the wind patterns and wave conditions do change depending on the time of year you visit, which is important to know if you plan to surf in Fiji.
Plan Your Trip Based On Your Surfing Skills
There are two primary seasons in Fiji – the cool winter season and the warm summer season. Winter produces the biggest waves. Summer has smaller swells and lighter winds. Remember, Fiji is in the Southern Hemisphere so our seasons are flipped from what you’re used to if you live in the Northern Hemisphere.
Our winter season runs from June-September, though we do experience some great wave conditions at the ends of the seasons, so you can really extend the winter season from April-October. During this time you can expect steady, strong winds that send huge swells up from the south toward Fiji. 8-10 Foot waves and 12-20 foot faces are not uncommon. Winter is definitely the time for experienced surfers who are up for a challenge to visit Fiji. However, we have a range of surf breaks that vary in size so while Cloudbreak might be 10ft, Swimming Pools will only be head high.
If you are not an experienced surfer, you’ll have a better time visiting us during our summer season. From November-March, Fiji weather is wetter and more humid. Lighter winds create smaller and shorter swells and the weather is hotter.
Thanks to the abundance of reefs surrounding the Fiji resorts, wave conditions will vary from place to place. This is good news for surfers of all levels because it means you’re guaranteed to have a variety of swells to challenge your specific skill level. Even so, small swells in Fiji can be more challenging than any you’ve ever experienced elsewhere. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security thinking that summer surfing in Fiji is easy and there’s still a good chance of larger swells.
Packing For Surfing In The Fiji Climate
Don’t get too hung up on packing for the Fiji weather. You’ll spend most days in your swimsuit, so bring a few different suits with you, along with a rashie if you have it. Sun protection is a must so be sure to add sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a cover-up to your packing list. Other than that, you will be perfectly comfortable in casual summertime clothing. Shorts, tanks, t-shirts, and flip-flops are standard at Fiji resorts. Bring a few nicer items of clothing if you plan to have a fancy dinner out at one of the Fiji resorts, but skip the suits and formal dresses.
As for surf gear, you can find everything you need to surf once you get here, and we have a range of hire equipment for guests. Still, most visitors bring their own boards and gear with them. It’s really up to you if you want to travel with all that extra gear or not.
For more advice on the best time to visit Fiji or to book your ultimate surfing vacation, contact Namotu Island Resort at Worldwide 310-584-9900 or, if you are calling from the USA, 888-669-SURF. We look forward to helping you plan your dream surf vacation.