The Weather In Bora Bora: Everything You Need To Know For A Perfect Vacation
Knowing what the weather in Bora Bora is like is the key to a perfect vacation/honeymoon. Considered an idyllic holiday destination, the small volcanic island of Bora Bora, in French Polynesia, truly deserves its reputation. The island is lush with vegetation, and thanks to the coral reef it is blessed with transparent waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. Although Bora Bora is beautiful year-round, your experience on the island may vary depending on the time of your visit, and it’s best to go prepared and know what to expect in order to fully enjoy your holiday.
Continue reading this post to learn everything you need to know about the weather in Bora Bora, so that you can decide when to go and – if you have already booked your trip – you’ll know what to pack for your trip.
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Some Background Information on The Weather in Bora Bora
The most important thing to understand about the weather in Bora Bora is that this is a tropical island, and as such, it has two main seasons: the dry season, and the wet/rainy season. The rainy season coincides with the summer, which in the southern hemisphere starts around November (in other words: We celebrate Christmas during the summer, under the palm trees :) !). On the other hand, the dry season is in the winter, which roughly goes from May to August or September.
Much like in other tropical destinations, the temperature in Bora Bora is quite stable, with little variation throughout the year, with highs around 27° to 28° Celsius – between 80 and 83° Fahrenheit.
Good to know
The water in Bora Bora is warm all year round, with an average temperature of 28.3°C (82.9°F).
So, the main things to consider when thinking about the best time to visit Bora Bora is : the humidity, the amount of rain you may experience, as well as the wind.
Money Saving Tips
The resort takes a (big) cut from vendors (regular commissions are 22% to 25% in Bora Bora – sometimes more depending on the agreement). Therefore, it will cost you more to book through them. Also read : 5 easy tips to save money in Bora Bora.
Let’s now look into the weather in Bora Bora in a bit more detail.
Weather data in Bora Bora
You’ll find below the average temperatures, the average rainfall & monthly sunshine hours.
Source : Wikipedia.
The Weather in Bora Bora During the Rainy Season
Tropical islands are humid – that’s a known fact.
The average humidity on the island is 74%, with August being the least humid month (69%) and January the most humid one (80%).
Predictably, the more it rains, the more humid a place is. So you can expect the weather in Bora Bora to be significantly more humid during the rainy season. Keeping this in mind and if you know that humidity bothers you, you are probably better off avoiding a trip to Bora Bora during the rainy season.
On the other hand, with humidity and rain also comes the lushest of times in terms of vegetation, and that’s when you’ll be able to see the island in full bloom. Keep this in mind if you like the idea of being able to admire the beautiful tropical flowers Bora Bora is famous for.
Also, sunsets are often spectacular due to the humidity in the air.
Good to know
Even during the rainy season, rain doesn’t usually last all day, it comes and goes with quick (but sometimes strong) showers so even if that’s when you travel to Bora Bora, chances that it may rain for the entire duration of your trip are virtually none.
The Weather in Bora Bora During the Dry Season
The dry season in Bora Bora coincides with the winter, and that’s when the wind blows. Wind helps to keep the island less humid than usual (the average humidity in August, which is the driest month, is 69%), and generally slightly cooler, with high temperatures in the range of 26° to 27° C for the high (78.8° to 80.6° F). While the wind may at times be stronger than you’d wish, it also means a nice break from the heat and it means excellent opportunities for sports such as kitesurfing or windsurfing.
Don’t be surprised or annoyed if, having traveled to Bora Bora during what’s meant to be the dry season, you are caught in a quick thunderstorm. The chances of rain in the tropics are high throughout the year – and that’s what keeps them lush and beautiful. The good news is that rain during the dry season never lasts long, and at times it only rains at night.
In general, my advice is to pack a raincoat, a wind-proof jacket, or a poncho, and a pair of flip flops or other good shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, regardless of when your trip is happening. We will be looking into more detail about Bora Bora weather for each month further below.
Hurricanes / cyclones in Bora Bora
Fortunately, French Polynesia is not located on the main hurricane belt. However, during the summer months, especially in January and February, the chances of a hurricane hitting Bora Bora increase. Although the chances of hurricanes in Bora Bora are extremely low, they can still occur. The most recent one happened in 2010, causing significant damage to many resorts. Unfortunately, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort never recovered from this. To minimize the risk of encountering a hurricane, it is best to avoid traveling to Bora Bora between November and February, during the summer/rainy season.
A Month-by-Month Guide to the Weather in Bora Bora
Weather in Bora Bora in January
The weather in Bora Bora in January brings lots of rain – this is meant to be the second rainiest month, with 19 days when there are high chances of rain and an average rainfall of 270mm (10.5 inches). Temperatures are in the range of 30° C (86° F), and when it doesn’t rain, humidity is fierce. As the rain will deter most travelers from visiting Bora Bora in January, this is one of the best months in terms of travel deals. Visit Bora Bora in January if rain and humidity aren’t an issue for you and if you are trying to watch your budget.
Insider Tip
As already pointed out before, the rainy season in Bora Bora doesn’t mean endless days of rain, but rather regular (but strong) showers. It’s perfectly ok to travel to Bora Bora then!
Weather in Bora Bora in February
Still in the rainy season but February doesn’t get as much rain as January. Keep in mind that the chances of cyclones are higher in February though!
Weather in Bora Bora in March
The weather in Bora Bora starts improving in March when the rainy season is close to coming to an end.
Chances of rain are still high, with about 180 mm of rain (around 7 inches) and so is the humidity, and the temperatures are still around 30° C (86° F).
The combination of great holiday deals, lesser chances of rain (at least compared to January), and the beginning of the events season make it a very good month to visit.
It’s in February & March that you’ll experience the most incredible sunsets due to the high humidity in the air.
Weather in Bora Bora in April
Shoulder season in Bora Bora starts in April. This is thought to be one of the best months to visit the island, with less chances of rain (or just quick showers), slightly lower temperatures and humidity, and significantly less tourists than in the peak season – and with that, some great travel deals.
In the pictures above you can see how much the weather can change in minutes. The pictures above were taken about 15 minutes from each other. Groom getting ready = Slightly cloudy sky. It started raining right in the middle of the ceremony (FYI it’s good luck in Polynesian traditions) for less than 10 minutes and the last picture (clear sly) was taken just 15 minutes after the shower…
Weather in Bora Bora in May
May represents the beginning of the peak season. The weather is much better, with temperatures below 30° C (86° F), less humidity, and very little chance of rain. May is also when the Tahiti Pearl Regatta takes place – thus being a great month if you enjoy sailing.
Weather in Bora Bora in June
Often thought to be the best time to visit Bora Bora, during June the chances of rain are slim, the air is drier and temperatures are around 28° C (82.4° F). The wind that often blows in June makes the island a great destination for water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. On the other hand, the lower temperatures and dry weather bring in more tourists.
Weather in Bora Bora in July
July is one of the best months to visit Bora Bora. Wind continues blowing throughout July, and with that come drier days and cooler (if only ever so slightly) temperatures. July is also the month of Heiva, a celebration of the exotic culture of Polynesia. Throughout the month dancing, singing, and cultural events focused on portraying and giving a better understanding of the local history, culture, and way of life.
xxWeather in Bora Bora in August
The weather in Bora Bora is at its best in August, with plenty of hours of sunshine, very low chances of rain (only four days with rain in a month, and no more than 60 mm / 2.4 inches of rain) and winds that make the air nice and dry. If anything, the only issue is that the wind may make boat trips less pleasant. Just keep in mind it’s by far the busiest month on the island – and as such, the most expensive time to visit.
Insider Tips
July and August can be chilly at night, with temperatures between 20° and 21° C (68° and 69.8° F): make sure to pack a light jacket to keep out the chills!
Weather in Bora Bora in September
September is a great month to visit Bora Bora.
The weather is still great – with dry days and less wind (which makes boat trips around the island much more pleasant).
Less tourists visit in September, which means better hotel deals.
Weather in Bora Bora in October
October is shoulder season in Bora Bora, and it is when the weather starts changing again, with increased chances of rain compared to September (but much less compared to November); slightly higher humidity and higher temperatures.
Weather in Bora Bora in November
November sees the beginning of summer in Bora Bora, and with that the official beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures and humidity increase, and with that the chances of rain and the presence of mosquitoes – but worry not: all resorts take measures to limit the mosquitoes on their grounds.
On the other hand, with shoulder season and more rain, prices inevitably become more budget-friendly. Add to this the many local events and you may be tempted to go, after all.
Indeed, November is when the Hawaiiki Zuni Va’a, a canoe race, takes place. This is one of the most challenging canoe races in the world, where participants must cover a whopping 129 km in just three days without the possibility of substituting members of the team. It’s a thrilling event that is best observed from a boat; and it gives everyone a good excuse to have a great boat party.
Weather in Bora Bora in December
December is the rainiest month in Bora Bora – the average of rainy days is 15 during the month, with 280 mm (11 inches) of rain. Days are hot and humid. You’d think that this means lesser tourists and lower prices, but keep in mind that many go on holiday right around Christmas time, so the island will be quite busy – but worry not: it never feels packed.
The best weather in Bora Bora & the best month to travel
Now that you know what the weather in Bora Bora is like throughout the year, you may draw your own conclusions. I personally think that April and October are the best time to visit Bora Bora if you want to enjoy a combination of reasonably good weather and lower prices. If, on the other hand, you have the budget to splurge, July and August are the best months.
Insider Tips
The weather forecast is NEVER accurate in Bora Bora so don’t waste too much time (and energy) stressing out about the weather if your app is showing rain every day for your upcoming stay – 99% chances the weather will be waaaaay different. For more accurate information (at least about the wind) you can check Windguru, this is the only app locals use 🙂
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