Bora Bora- When Should You Visit The Jewel of The South Seas?

Aptly named “the Jewel of the South Sea”, this piece of heaven on earth is unrivaled both in its beauty and popularity among tourists. The allure of this magical island begins long before you even touch it down.

The view from the plane is unforgettable. Be sure to keep your eyes open because there won’t be a sight to behold elsewhere. Once Mt. Otemanu comes into view, don’t forget to capture its beauty through your camera lens.

Weather and Travel Tips

The seasons of Bora Bora can be described both as wet and dry. The wet season is between November to April with December being the rainiest month. The dry season lasts from May to October which is also the peak season to visit the place. Therefore, avoid the period between mid-June to mid-August if you want to avoid overcrowded beaches and wallet-breaking prices.

If you are planning a tour to  Bora Bora on a budget, then it is best to visit off-season for the best deals. To make the best of the weather and your pocket, book the summer dates early or in the shoulder months of April or November.

When To Visit Bora Bora- a Month-wise Breakdown

If you are a wanderlust soul with no restrictions for time, let’s walk you through the benefits of visiting Bora-Bora in any month of the year as the travel restrictions slowly ease.

January

You may think of spending the beginning of the new year at this wonderful gateway to paradise. However, January is the middle of the rainy season with temperatures in the high 80s. Thus, the rain and humidity may ruin your vacation plans. Nonetheless, this may be the best opportunity for the budget traveler to bask in the luxuries that this french Polynesian island has to offer.

For those on a tight budget, the price tag for a night at the luxury hotels and resorts can be easily enjoyed during this off-season. After all, the perks of staying at a luxury hotel are the same no matter the weather outside plus the views are always breathtaking whatever the weather is.

Additionally, tourists can also enjoy the event known as Taurua Varua which celebrates the new year. You will get to enjoy great cuisine, massive singing competitions and eye-catching decorations around the island.

February

Perhaps there is no better place than Bora Bora to celebrate the month of love with your partner or even your family. Basking on the sandy beaches or having a romantic dinner in one of the luxury resorts here are an ideal honeymoon for couples visiting this month.

February doesn’t get the worst of the wet season in Bora Bora. Nevertheless, the average rainfall is about 9 inches, so you may want to come prepared. Besides, you should purchase travel insurance for your plane tickets as there is a risk of canceled flights or cruises as it falls during the cyclone season.

Depending on the year you may also be able to catch the Chinese new year celebrations.

March

With the rainy season now towards its end and the humidity bearable, March may be one of the best times to visit to make the best of low tourist traffic as well as local events that take place.

Missionaries celebrate the arrival of Protestantism through traditional singing and dances in churches.

There’s also the Orero Championship that pits the talented singers of traditional French Polynesian songs competing for the winning title.

April

Another great time to visit is April, considered the ‘shoulder’ month, and has the perfect balance of good weather and low traffic. The peak visit period for Bora Bora is from May through October, so April sees comparatively fewer tourists.

To encourage tourism, many hotels, resorts and restaurants offer deals during this offseason. This makes for an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of this tropical island paradise without breaking the bank.

May

The start of the peak season is in May marked by large crowds, great weather and plenty of events. With the temperature below the 80s and an average rainfall of 3 inches, this is the best time to enjoy the beach and other outdoor recreational activities.

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta draws the largest crowd in a race across all the French Polynesian islands. Yachts, boats and other ships gather at the surrounding water to partake in the event and watch the race up close. The festivities can be seen throughout the island.

You can also take part in the Victory Day (for World War II) celebrations on 8th May or other holidays like White Monday or Ascension Day.

June

Continuing the peak season, you can enjoy water sports, sunbathing on the beach and other outdoor activities. This is also the time for dance school practices and performances as they prepare for the grand month-long event that begins towards the end of June. You can be the lucky one to witness their spectacular world-renowned dances in person.

July & August

Considered by many the best time to visit Bora Bora given the perfect weather and ocean conditions. You would also be in time to join for the Heive I Bora Bora, part of the month-long celebrations of Polynesian culture with dancing, singing and feasts of local cuisine.

July also celebrates Bastille Day, the French public holiday highlighting the island’s connection to France. The Raid Anei Bora Bora is also another event taking place at the end of July for adventurers and thrill-seekers.

September

As the peak season begins to cool down so does the hotel and resort prices. The weather is similar to August with gentle winds, which makes this the perfect time for cruising, diving and snorkeling among the magnificent coral reefs.

If you want to enjoy the perks of peak season without the crowd then this is the best time for you.

October

The last month of consistent weather, October has its fair share of pleasant, clear days. You can also take part in the stone-throwing competitions which celebrate the ancient art form of throwing stones for fishing.

This is also the time when Bora Bora is resplendent in its spring glory. With fragrant frangipani, blossoming hibiscus and ripening tropical fruits, this brings out the tropical feeling of the island.

November

The second of the “shoulder” months, November can be quite wet and humid compared to other drier months. Nonetheless, the numerous events that take place more than make up for it.

Hawaiiki Zuni Va’a,  the grand canoe racing championship is a great opportunity to experience the iconic Polynesian outrigger canoes. The festivities surrounding it are a bonus.

Armistice Day is another culturally celebrated holiday with dance, food and rooster fighting. Given that it is now banned around the world, Bora Bora is one of the few places to witness this sport.

Lastly, Matarii Nia, which is an ancient practice to express gratitude for the rainy season, and prayers for plentiful harvest celebrated with abundant food and grand festivities, is a sight to behold.

December

Despite being unfavorable in terms of weather and humidity, this happens to be the busiest time of the year for the island as many flock to celebrate Christmas and New Years at this majestic island.

The resorts and hotels hold many events with a unique Polynesian flair to make up for rainy days. In addition, you can join the Va’a Bora Bora. The traditional outrigger canoe race. And of course, Christmas celebrations are rife with parades, music, food, craft fairs, and decorations.

Conclusion

The island has its beauty in different forms all year round. Your planning for the trip should be based on your time, budget, and the events you wish to partake in during your stay. There is always something for the adventurer to enjoy no matter the time they visit. However, planning around peak seasons, US public holidays, as well as Tahiti holidays can save you costs as well as crowds.