Discovering the Perfect Time to Travel to Bora Bora: Unveiling the Ultimate Guide

Discovering the best time to travel to Bora Bora is like uncovering a secret treasure map, leading you to idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked days or wanting to escape the raindrops, this article is your ultimate guide to planning the perfect trip. From the cheapest months to visit to the stunning beauty of shoulder seasons, we'll navigate the highs and lows of Bora Bora's weather, revealing the ideal moments to set foot on this paradise island. Get ready to uncover the best time to experience the magic of Bora Bora and Tahiti.

Best Time to Go to Bora Bora

Bora Bora has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the best time to visit depends on factors like rainfall, budget, and crowd levels. Let's explore the three major travel seasons and their advantages and disadvantages.

Low Season/Rainy Season

The low season in Bora Bora occurs from December to March. Visiting during this time is more affordable in terms of accommodation, and you'll avoid the tourist crowds. Rainfall is more frequent, but it usually comes in short showers that quickly clear up. However, there is a rare possibility of a tropical cyclone.

High Season/Dry Season

The high season in Bora Bora is from May to October, which attracts the most tourists. The weather is ideal with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits. Surprisingly, the best climate can be found in the winter months, as Bora Bora is in the Southern Hemisphere. However, you'll need to plan accommodation and flights well in advance due to high demand.

Shoulder Season

April and November are considered the shoulder seasons in Bora Bora. During these months, you can enjoy reduced fares and fewer tourists while still experiencing good weather. There may be some rain, but it won't last for the entire duration of your stay. Deals and offers on accommodation are also available during this time.

November to March: Bora Bora When It Rains

In Polynesia, the rainy season extends from November to March. During this time, Bora Bora experiences frequent rain, especially in December and January. It's important to note that Bora Bora is a mountainous island, so the rainy weather can interfere with outdoor activities. However, visiting during this period offers more affordable flights and discounts on luxury hotels, providing an opportunity to fulfill your dream of staying in an overwater bungalow. Despite the showers, temperatures remain hot, making it possible to enjoy diving even in rainy weather.

Bora Bora Weather By Month

To help you plan your trip to Bora Bora, here's a breakdown of the weather by month:

January

If you're on a budget, January is one of the best times to travel to Bora Bora. Although it's humid and wet, you can find incredible deals on luxury hotels. This month also offers hot temperatures and is good for local events.

February

February is a good time for a romantic getaway, despite the occasional cyclone and high winds. It's a low-rate month for tourism.

March

March sees a decrease in rain and offers fair weather. It's still the low season, so you can enjoy a relatively crowd-free experience and participate in island events.

April

Considered one of the best times to visit Bora Bora, April offers moderate temperatures, low rainfall, and fewer tourists. Many hotels provide great offers during this time.

May

May marks the beginning of the high season and has drier weather. Prices for hotels and resorts start to increase, but it's a good time for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.

June

June is the best time to travel to Bora Bora for excellent weather. It's a popular month, so booking in advance is recommended. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy this month.

July

While still warm, July in Bora Bora sees the arrival of trade winds, making snorkeling and diving conditions less favorable. However, it offers many events and celebrations.

August

August has great weather for outdoor activities, but trade winds peak during this month. European school holidays begin, leading to increased tourist numbers.

September

September sees a reduction in tourist numbers, leading to great deals on accommodation. The weather is still excellent, and it's the best time to see whale migration.

October

Temperatures start to rise again in October, and there's a greater chance of rain. It's a good time for scuba diving and snorkeling.

November

November marks the beginning of the low season but is still quite busy. The weather can be humid and rainy, but there are public events and festive celebrations to enjoy.

December

December is a busy time in Bora Bora, with humid and rainy weather. However, it offers island Christmas celebrations and cultural experiences.

Worst Time to Visit Bora Bora

Vyshnivskyy/Shutterstock

The worst time to visit Bora Bora is in February due to the weather and from May to October due to the crowded conditions. Although February has less rain, there's a higher chance of cyclones. August sees a significant increase in European travelers, leading to higher prices for accommodation and food.

It's important to note that the mainland has limited sandy stretches, so crowded beaches can detract from the experience. To enjoy private beaches, it's recommended to stay in resorts or hotels on smaller islands.

Overall, Bora Bora is a wonderful destination regardless of the month you choose to visit. Whether you want a relaxing vacation or exciting excursions, you'll have a great time on this amazing island.

Cheapest Time to Visit Bora Bora

iPics/Shutterstock

If your priority is to save some cash, the best time to visit Bora Bora is from December to March.

These months are considered low season because of the weather, but there are still plenty of activities you can enjoy. Typically, the wet season starts from November to April, but it is in full swing from December to March.

During these months, the weather is more unpredictable, and there are more chances of rain. However, these months are also the best time to visit the island because hotel rates are a lot more affordable compared to other months.

Because of the low season, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a more peaceful vacation with fewer tourists around you. Despite the humid and rainy weather, you’ll enjoy December in Bora Bora because it is Christmas time.

You’ll see the locals go into holiday mode, and you’ll be able to attend tons of local events. If you’re visiting in January, expect more rain. This month is usually when you can easily nab the best deal at luxury resorts, even if you’re on a budget.

While the weather is still not predictably sunny in February, you can expect to enjoy jaw-dropping sunsets, which is the perfect view to cap off your Valentine’s vacation.

Finally, the rain decreases more in March, although experiencing high humidity and unexpected rain showers during this month is still quite normal. March also marks the start of Bora Bora’s event season.

Overall Best Time to Visit Bora Bora

Lux Blue/Shutterstock

If you want to enjoy blue skies, warm weather, and limited crowds, visiting during the slower season is best.

This downtime is during April and November. In April, the rainy season will start to fade away. This change means better water visibility for those who want to visit Bora Bora mainly to dive and see underwater sights.

The beaches are also not too crowded during this time, so you won’t have trouble taking an Instagram-worthy shot. On the other hand, the humidity is higher during November, and while you may experience rain, the temperature on the island is still very manageable.

You’ll still be able to enjoy the sun because the rainy season is still starting, and you’ll also get to have fun doing activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

In April and November, there are also fewer tourists than in peak season, so you can explore the island without bumping into too many people. This slowdown is what makes it the best time to visit Bora Bora.

In addition to the weather, the savings you can enjoy during the slow season are also great. The reason is that there are fewer tourists during these months, so the resorts decrease their rates and offer discounts for tourists.

April to June: Beautiful Days Are Back

The austral summer is coming to an end. Temperatures are still hot but the humidity is more bearable. If it still rains regularly, the rate of precipitation gradually drops. In mid-May, the conditions become really pleasant. These few months precede the beginning of the tourist season. As a result, prices are still affordable, both for international flights and for hotel nights.

The cultural life on the main island is starting again. Dance associations are actively preparing for the Heiva, a major Polynesian dance festival. Why not attend one of the many local rehearsals before the official competition? June is an excellent month to visit Bora Bora: the weather is getting drier, prices are affordable and tourism is picking up.

Shoulder Season: April and November

The best of both worlds – good weather and moderate prices

The months of April and November fall between the wet and dry seasons, offering some of the advantages of both seasons. During these months, you'll see fewer crowds and you can find some generous deals from resorts, but the weather still brings plenty of sunshine.

There will be some rain and humidity, though the rain showers tend to pass quite quickly. The shoulder months are also a favorite time for scuba divers as the absence of strong winds makes for calm, clear waters – perfect for spotting sharks, manta rays, barracudas and more out in the deep blue.

September to October: Golden Months for a Trip to Polynesia

The tourist season is coming to an end. Bora Bora becomes peaceful again. The southern winter is also ending, yet the weather conditions are still exceptional. The absence of rain allows hiking in Bora Bora. The hours of sunshine make the Pearl of the Pacific even more wonderful. This is the time to admire the changing colors of the lagoon even more. It is also during this period that you will be able to meet humpback whales.

Yes, September and October are the ideal time to visit Bora Bora. The prices of flights and hotel nights drop a bit. Coming to the island seems more affordable. Everything ends with the big pirogue race that connects the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora at the end of October. The Hawaiki Nui Va'a is the biggest sport and cultural event in Polynesia. It’s a time to celebrate, because the sports events also give the opportunity to dance, sing and of course share a last moment together before the wet season.

July to August: Best Time to Visit Bora Bora?

July and August are the best months for a stay on the romantic island. The weather is excellent and the dry weather will allow you to enjoy the white sandy Bora Bora beaches and the mountain hikes. With an average temperature of 25°C, the weather is really good. Take a trip to the lagoon and discover the natural wonders of the island!

It is also the peak of the tourist season and the general atmosphere is one of vacation. There are many activities and cultural performances, and the hotels on Bora Bora are running at full capacity with a high degree of excellence. This is naturally the period that couples prefer to spend their honeymoon on Bora Bora.

As a result, prices tend to increase significantly. In addition, many guesthouses will be fully booked during these months. It is therefore preferable to make reservations well in advance, otherwise you will be staying at a municipal campground or sleeping outside. However, although excellence is a constraint, July and August are the perfect time to fully experience the romantic island.

High Season: May to October

The best time for blue skies and sunshine

The dry season in Bora Bora takes place over the winter months in the island, but note that this is the southern hemisphere winter (the opposite from the winter months in Europe, Asia and America). The dry months see low levels of rainfall, so you can be confident that you will have clear blue skies with plenty of sunshine for much of your stay. Temperatures during the winter are also a bit cooler than the summer months, with daytime highs around 28°C (83°F).

This ideal weather for basking in the sun makes the dry season the most popular time to visit Bora Bora. Keep in mind this also tends to mean higher prices on resorts and bigger crowds across the island. Finding seats on flights can also be a challenge at peak times.

Excellent water visibility makes the shoulder seasons great for snorkeling and scuba diving © Martin Valigursky / Shutterstock

January

Lots of rain and high levels of humidity characterize the month of January in Bora Bora, making this one of the least popular months for visitors. However, this is one of the best months to nab a deal at one of the island’s luxury resorts. If you are looking to visit Bora Bora on a budget, look around to see what deals are on offer.Key events: Taurua Varua

February

February sees less rain than January, though this month has the highest chance of a cyclone. As French Polynesia lies off the main cyclone belt, these are quite rare but the chance is still there (the last major cyclone was in 2010). Humidity is high, which can be uncomfortable during the day, but it also brings some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see. Again, tourism is slow during this month so prices tend to be lower at resorts.Key events: Special events for Valentine's Day (14 February)

March

As March rolls in, the rain decreases further, though you'll likely still experience daily showers and high humidity. Tourists are still scarce but March marks the beginning of event season, with competitions to find Bora Bora's best orero (guardian of spoken history). Key events: Missionary Day, Orero championships

April

April is one of the two shoulder-season months. The rains start to ease up and there is more sunshine and less humidity in general. Visibility in the water improves and April sees the kickoff of the main scuba diving season. The official high season hasn’t started yet which means you can still find deals on accommodation and avoid the crowds.Key events: Easter celebrations (these can fall in March)

May

May marks the beginning of the high season, with more blue skies but also an increase in resort pricing. The main crowds haven’t arrived yet and water conditions are ideal for scuba diving. The Tahiti Pearl Regatta sailing race draws teams from across the globe.Key events: Tahiti Pearl Regatta, Victory Day

June

Come June you’ll notice a drop in temperatures at night and the humidity decreases as well, making this a perfect month to visit. June is also when school holidays start in North America and Europe, bringing vacationing families to many Bora Bora resorts. The wind tends to pick up in June, creating ideal conditions for sailing and kiteboarding, but decreasing the visibility for scuba diving.Key events: Hivavaeve

The peak season brings perfect beach weather most mornings © Lux Blue / Shutterstock

July

July is the peak of the high season and this is not just down to the good weather conditions. Bora Bora's biggest cultural festival, Heive I Bora Bora, takes place in July, making this one of the best times to visit the island.Key events: Heive I Bora Bora, Raid Anei hiking race

August

Perhaps the busiest month during peak season, this is when most Europeans tend to visit. While it will be crowded and prices will be at their highest, August also brings the best weather, with many hours of sunshine and low humidity. The trade winds still blow making the heat more manageable, which is perfect for exploring the interior of the island as well as taking advantage of beach days.Key events: Assumption

September

It's still high season, but things start to quieten down a bit since it’s back to school for families coming from abroad. September marks the height of humpback whale season in Bora Bora (which runs from mid-July to the end of October). This is the best time to see mothers and their calves in the waters surrounding the island; you can’t swim with them here as you can in Mo’orea, but there are plenty of whale-watching tours.Key events: Whale migration

October

October marks the end of the high season. Towards the end of the month, you’ll notice more humidity and rain but, overall, there's still a lot of sunshine. Local school holidays during this month bring families to the beaches. Scuba divers return in October as the waters tend to be calm, meaning great visibility.Key events: Stone-throwing competitions

November

November is one of the two shoulder season months. The humidity is higher and there are more rain showers, but overall, the temperatures are still manageable and you'll still see some sunshine. Crowds tend to fade away and you’ll notice a decrease in resort pricing. Plus, since the heavy rains haven’t quite started yet, visibility is still great for snorkeling and scuba diving.Key events: La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day), Hawaiki nui va’a, Armistice Day

December

December is the most humid time in Bora Bora. It can also be pretty rainy, with long periods of cloudy skies. However, it’s also Christmas time, which sees enthusiastic celebrations across the island. Locals really get into the holiday spirit and tourists are welcome at lots of local events.Key events: Christmas

You may also like:A date with the ocean in Mo'orea, French PolynesiaThe beautiful French Polynesian island you've never heard of"Everyone belongs to the island" – exploring Nuku Hiva, the 'Land of Men'

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Best Time to Visit Bora Bora & Tahiti

The southern winter is the best time to go to Bora Bora. Less hot and especially less rainy, the dry season from April to October should get your full attention, with a slight preference for the months of September to October. When should you go to Bora Bora? It depends on your availability of time and your budget. Whatever the month of the year, the Pearl of the Pacific will leave you with unforgettable memories. Contact us to organize your next stay in Tahiti and her islands.

In conclusion, choosing the best time to visit Bora Bora depends on what you are looking for in your dream vacation. If you want to avoid the rain and enjoy beautiful sunny days, November to March is the ideal time to go. For those seeking a more affordable trip, April and November offer great deals during the shoulder season. If you're looking to experience the golden months in Polynesia, September to October should be your top choice. And if you don't mind a slightly busier atmosphere, the high season from May to October is perfect for you. Ultimately, whenever you decide to visit, Bora Bora's breathtaking beauty and tranquil waters will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.