2 min summary Best time to visit Map & highlights Fiji French Polynesia Tonga Kiribati Micronesia Samoa Solomon Islands Vanuatu Advice

Best time to visit the South Pacific Islands

When is the best time to swim with humpback whales? In which months are Fiji’s waters best for diving? And are all regions affected by cyclones? Research should be part and parcel of a traveling experience and we’ve done some of the hard work for you, so read on to find out the best time to visit the South Pacific.

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Best time to visit the South Pacific Islands

September is lovely in the South Pacific. Peak vacation season is over, humidity is lower and cyclone season has yet to darken the skies.

It’s always hot in the South Pacific with more tropical climes the closer you get to the equator. The wet season falls between November and April, when it’s humid and sticky, while the dry season from May through to October brings milder temperatures and clearer skies. When choosing the best time to visit the South Pacific you’ll also need to bear in mind what you want to do there, whether that’s swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and Tahiti, snorkelling in the waters off Fiji, or avoiding the chock-a-block Antipodean school vacation season.

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Fiji Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

308

FEB

293

MAR

356

APR

288

MAY

142

JUN

113

JUL

AUG

103

SEP

123

OCT

152

NOV

181

DEC

226

Our South Pacific Islands Vacations

South Pacific islands, month by month

As the drier, cooler season lasts from May, to September or October in the South Pacific this is a great opportunity to explore more of the islands without the heat and humidity; though June and July are busy times with Kiwis and Aussies fleeing the Antipodean winter. From July to October you can swim with humpback whales in the waters off Tonga and August is an ideal month for dolphin spotting in Fiji. From October the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tahiti will just be beginning their rainiest months, with the rains moving into Fiji Vanuatu and Tonga in November. December, January, February, March and April bring not only rain but cyclone season to the islands of the South Pacific. Tropical cyclones can occur at any time of year though, so do keep abreast of regionalised warnings. December and January coincide with the Australian and New Zealand summer vacations when accommodation is fully booked and planes are at capacity.

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South Pacific Islands festivals & events

Pacific Games

Every four years, the multi-sport Pacific Games takes place in a different city in the region. The South Pacific’s answer to the Olympics, it features around 4,000 participants from 22 Pacific nations taking part in around 30 sporting events. In 2019 they will be held in Samoa, and in 2023 in the Solomon Islands.

More about South Pacific Islands

South Pacific Islands travel guide

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South Pacific Islands Map & Highlights

The South Pacific is both vast and varied, so to help make sense of it all, we’ve picked some key highlights.

Fiji

Find out why this volcanic island nation is such a tempting prospect as you read our Fiji travel guide.

French Polynesia

Dive into the gloriously blue world of French Polynesia and discover how to make the most of your time all the way from the beaches of Bora Bora to the volcanic monoliths of Ua Pou, with tips on food, culture and activities, too.

Tonga

Tonga draws adventurous travelers from across the globe in search of pristine beaches and rich underwater life – in particular humpback whales.

Kiribati

Discover the uninhabited atolls and reef islands that make Kiribati vacations such a tempting prospect.

Micronesia

There are few places in the world that are as remote as Micronesia – and few that are as idyllically beautiful.

Samoa

Our Samoa vacations take in the best sites of Upolu and Savai'i, from Mauga Silisili to the bustling capital of Apia.

Solomon Islands

Forget about swish resorts and beach clubs; the Solomon Islands move to a far more authentic beat.

Vanuatu

A Vanuatu vacation follows in the wake of Captain Cook en-route to the Banks Islands and the volcanic wonders of Gaua, Vanua Lava and Mt Séré’ama.

South Pacific Travel Advice

Get South Pacific travel advice from our local experts on everything from where to stay, local culture and hiking in the mountains.

Responsible tourism in the South Pacific

There are no excuses not to travel responsibly in the South Pacific with climate change, coral bleaching, plastic pollution and cruise ships all major issues.