Best Time to Visit Bora Bora
Find the perfect time to visit Bora Bora for ideal weather and budget-friendly travel. Get tips on when to enjoy dry skies, fewer crowds, and great deals!
Bora Bora is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Sitting in the western part of French Polynesia, this city is home to historic volcanic views, exquisite resorts, and clean sandy beaches. So, what is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The best time to visit Bora Bora is in April and November because these months offer the best weather, with temperatures around 75 degrees. During this season, the weather becomes dry, the skies are clear, and there are minimal drizzles. Also, between April and November, there are fewer crowds, incredible flight deals, and resorts with lower prices.
When you visit Bora Bora in peak months; June, July, August, and December, you get to spend more on resorts. During this season, the Island is usually crowded because most families are on vacation. Follow along as we explore the best time to visit Bora Bora.
When Should You Not Go to Bora Bora?
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January is the best time to avoid Bora Bora because of the constant rain and high humidity. During this month, the temperature can go as high as 80 degrees, and the weather is usually unreliable.
However, if you’re looking to get the best deals and explore the beautiful hotels and resorts on a low budget, January is the ideal month.
Additionally, in January, you can appreciate and participate in a historical event called Taurua Varua. Taurua Varua is a special festival for the natives of French Polynesia and anyone living on the island.
During this festive period, there’s a massive display of different native foods, lush decorations, musical competitions, and celebration of cultures, all to mark the year's change.
February is yet another month not to visit Bora Bora. Similar to January, February is characterized by lots of rain, making it one of the low seasons for tourists.
As a result, when you visit Bora Bora in February, you’ll experience high humidity, making the weather quite uncomfortable during the day.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking to get the best deals at resorts, see the beautiful blue sky, and bask in the warmth of the magnificent sunsets, February is the ideal time to visit Bora Bora.
However, ensure you get your travel insurance during this month because there are high chances of a cyclone (also known as hurricanes), and cruises and flights are usually canceled.
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Do not visit Bora Bora in December. This month falls within the wet season. There’s high humidity and cloudy skies. For hiking, this weather is unreliable.
Nevertheless, there are few advantages of visiting during this month. You can bask in the beautiful sunsets, tour the lagoons, and experience the Bora Bora Liquid Festival.
This festival consists of various fun lagoon activities such as swimming, surf-skiing, outrigger racing, and stand-up paddleboarding competitions amongst native aquatic athletes.
During the evenings, tourists can try different local foods, participate in beach gatherings, and engage in various ceremonial dances with the locals.
Keep in mind that December is the Christmas period — the island will be heavily populated, and resort prices will be at their highest rates.
What is the Rainy Season in Bora Bora?
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The rainy season in Bora Bora is the same as the summer season. However, this season falls between the end of November to March. The rainy season in Bora Bora is characterized by high rain, humidity, heat, and sun.
The average temperature during this season is between 86 ℉ to 88℉, making the weather hot. But, at the same time, some days have bright and sunny weather — on most days during this time of the year, more rainfall than at any other time.
And because it often rains, Bora Bora has the lushest tropical vegetation. So if you’re looking to snorkel in its pristine waters or perhaps catch some breathtaking natural views of the vegetation, this is a great time to visit.
In addition, there are high chances of storms during the wet season in Bora Bora. This can lead to raging seas and turbulent weather. Nevertheless, the raging seas and turbulent weather are quite brief and don't last for too long.
The great thing about the rainy season in Bora Bora is that the lagoons are warmest, the crowd is few, and you can always get good deals at the resorts.
What is the Cheapest Time of the Year to Go to Bora Bora?
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The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora is after the dry season months. Once the dry season is over, the weather gets overcast, and rains begin to fall. Temperature levels also increase, leading to high humidity. As a result, resort prices and tourist services are usually low.
However, you can get the best deals during October and May because, during this time, fewer people visit the island. So if you care less about having small drizzles during your vacation, this is the cheapest time of the year to go to Bora Bora.
There are also bargains during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, but bookings are essential in these periods. Adding to this, November all through to March is another cheapest time of the year to visit Bora Bora.
This season falls within the rainy season, and flight and accommodation prices are insanely affordable. Because the weather is unpredictable, the number of visitors drastically drops, giving way to a less crowded island.
Best Time to Visit Bora Bora for Honeymoon?
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The best time to visit Bora Bora for a honeymoon is May to October. During this season, also known as the dry season, the skies are blue, clear, and with fewer levels of rainfall, making it perfect for various fun couples’ activities.
The average temperature during this season is about 28℃ (83℉), which means the weather is calm, the beaches are sandy, and the waters are clear.
With this weather, you can bask in the sun, enjoy the rocky peaks or savor the magnificent view of the blue skies. This is the perfect spot for creating thrilling honeymoon memories.
You can also participate in a spectacular event called the Tahiti Pearl Regatta. Tahiti Pearl Regatta is one of the biggest events on Bora Bora island. During this festive period, all the islands of French Polynesia gather together to compete in a sailing race.
When the sailing race competition begins, the island waters become quite entertaining. You get to see yachts, sailboats, canoes, and cruises filled with people in celebration of the event.
However, if you care to avoid the crowds, you can go before the events and enjoy scuba diving. This season is one of the most popular tourist seasons. The crowd is large, the resorts are fairly pricey, and getting flight tickets can be a hassle.
What Is the Hottest Month in Bora Bora?
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June is the hottest month in Bora Bora. During the daytime, the temperatures hover around 28℃ (82℉ ) to 29℃ (84℉). The humidity is low, and the heat is moderate. Therefore, you can explore various recreational activities and participate in festivities and special events.
Because of low levels of rainfall, you can enjoy and partake in various water sports; swimming, snorkeling, kiteboarding, sailing, and surfing. You can also go diving, relax on the sandy beach, and soak up the sun.
Furthermore, during June, the number of families vacationing in Bora Bora resorts increases. This is as a result of school children being on break.
The great thing about this is that school children participate in various dance performances, offering you the chance to experience entertaining dance shows.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Bora Bora?
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Being one of the two shoulder season months, November is a good time to visit Bora Bora; the weather is relatively fair. During this season, there’s increased rainfall, and the humidity is high due to temperature changes between 70 and 80 degrees.
You’ll likely experience a high spread of mosquitoes when visiting during this time. Thus, it's recommended you travel with insect repellants.
While the humidity can cause some level of discomfort during this time, the good side is that the prices of hotels and resorts are at the lowest. As a result, you can enjoy luxurious suites at insanely fair rates.
In addition, November is full of various entertaining festivals and events; Armistice Day, La Toussaint (also known as All Saints’ Day), and Hawaiki Nui va’a.
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Hawaiki Nui Va’a is the biggest canoe race in Bora Bora. Also known as the national sport amongst the Polynesians, Hawaiki Nui Va’a demonstrates the beautiful relationship uniting the locals to the waters.
Every early November, the natives of Bora Bora and visitors on the island celebrate this special event in grand style. The canoe race is organized for the best athletes to compete in honor of the event.
The race runs for three days covering the islands of Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Raiatea. The locals celebrate by singing, dancing, and showcasing local cuisines. This is the perfect spot to explore and experience the unique exotic culture of Polynesia.
La Toussaint is yet another beautiful festival of the Bora Bora happening in November. Although the event's purpose is to remember the dead, it also offers families an opportunity to bond, dine together, and enjoy their vacation visiting the church.
Adding to this, Armistice Day is yet another historical event in November. Armistice Day is a special day in the history of Bora Bora for celebrating the end of World War II and its old soldiers. During this special event, you get to experience the sport of rooster fighting.
Also known as Faatitoraamoa, rooster fighting is organized in a ring between different animals. Communities and visitors gather to cheer their favorite animals while celebrating with food, dance, and songs.
Although this event is banned in other parts of the world, visiting Bora Bora in November allows you to experience the event firsthand.
Is December a Good Time to Go to Bora Bora?
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December is a good time to go to Bora Bora if you don’t mind paying high rates on resorts and hotels. Although this season is characterized by high humidity and constant showers, it’s full of many thrilling festivals.
Unlike other times of the year, December is the busiest time to visit Bora Bora. As the number of travelers vacationing on the island increases, resorts use the opportunity to organize various special events.
One of these special events is the Va’a Bora Bora event. This event showcases the best athletes in a canoe race. The athletes flaunt their strengths, and locals celebrate them with music, dance, and assorted food delicacies.
Also, because this is the Christmas celebration season, you get to savor the beautiful decoration galore, art and craft fairs, exhibitions, and delicious cuisines.
The only downside to visiting during this time of the year is that the island is usually crowded, and tourist services are quite expensive.
Best Time to Swim In Bora Bora Waters
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The best time to swim in Bora Bora waters is during winter. The weather is cool, the humidity is low, and the waters are clear. Because of the high visibility of the underwaters, you can go diving, snorkel in the waters, or swim.
Also, this season is the perfect time for marine lovers to explore the lagoons. You can catch views of various incredible aquatic lives; turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful aquarium fishes.
Best Time for Whale Watching in Bora Bora
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The best time for whale watching in Bora Bora is between July and November because the whales come to reproduce during this period.
So, naturally, humpback whales move from the Antarctic waters to the French Polynesia waters to give birth to and nurture their calves. This is because the island's waters are safe, offering a thriving space for calves to grow.
When visiting Bora Bora for whale watching, look out for the Maraamu SurfSki race. This race is associated with lots of whales.
Also, keep in mind that whale season overlaps with the peak season; thus, if you want to witness these rare beautiful creatures, you'll have to choose your trip accordingly.
Tobi Miles is a University of Florida graduate turned globe-trotting culinary explorer and digital nomad expert. As the founder of "Bytes & Bites," he combines his passion for international cuisine with practical advice on remote work, inspiring others to experience the world through food and cultural immersion. With 32 countries under his belt and a knack for uncovering hidden culinary gems, Tobi is redefining the intersection of work, travel, and gastronomy for a new generation of adventurers.