Best Time to Visit Bora Bora

Best Months: May • September • October

Clear skies and comfortable temperatures prevail in Bora Bora from May to October, making these months the best time to visit the beaches and diving hotspots.

Bora Bora’s beautiful lagoon is an underwater wonderland, with boundless marine life to spot during snorkeling and scuba-diving adventures. A kaleidoscope of colors covers the reefs that protect schools of fish and larger creatures that you can identify on these escapades beneath the water’s glossy surface. You can then settle on the soft shores and watch the sun fall below the horizon, painting the sky with orange, purple, and violet hues.

Be advised that trade winds may affect tours during June, July, and August, so consider a Bora Bora beach vacation during May or September and October if possible.

Best Months: August • September • October

Humpback whales swim from the frigid Antarctic waters to the warm seas surrounding French Polynesia from August to October, the best time to visit Bora Bora for whale watching.

September is a busy breeding season for humpback whales in Bora Bora, with many tours taking travelers to viewing spots on land or sea during the month. The best way to watch the whales as they surface is from boats which follow them to where they wallow.

Explorers can listen to the atmospheric songs sung by male humpbacks communicating beneath the surface, thanks to the hydrophones on the boats, and watch the mighty marine creatures swim to the surface and launch themselves out of the water.

Best Months: July • August • September

Hiking tours in Bora Bora only operate during the dry season, making the months of July through September the best time to visit for adventure enthusiasts.

Though small, the island boasts several charming strolls and challenging treks through the rainforest that veils the foothills of Mount Otemanu, and the peaks and valleys of the island. Some hikes are less than an hour, rewarding adventurers with views of monuments and the sprawling sea. Others are longer, with trails climbing the volcanic cliffs to caves and observation points high in the towering peaks of Otemanu.

Whether you want to enjoy peaceful walks around the island or test the daring trailheads, there’s a hike in Bora Bora to suit any type of traveler.

Best Months: April • May • October • November

The shoulder season months of April and November are ideal for couples or honeymooners who want to take advantage of great weather without the overwhelming peak-season crowds.

During these months couples can lap up the luxuries of Bora Bora before other guests arrive. The quiet beaches are perfect settings for passionate photographs of the idyllic seaside, tours around the island are easier to navigate, and the scarcity of powerful winds allow surreal conditions for snorkeling.

Romantic vacations in Bora Bora can also extend from April into May and from October through November, giving couples enough time to plan a trip before the crowds arrive en masse.

Best Months: February • March • April • September • October

Families with children choose February through April and September through October as the best time to visit Bora Bora on vacation.

School breaks typically fall within these months, making vacations to Bora Bora with children possible and less disruptive to the school calendar. Over and above, these months fall within Bora Bora’s shoulder season. Comfortable weather conditions, thrilling activities, and fewer crowds make this time of year flawless for family vacations.

During your Bora Bora trip you and your children can swim with the dazzling sea life, watch the whales leap out of the water, and stroll through the flourishing rainforest.

Best Months: December • January • February • March

The best time to visit Bora Bora to avoid the crowds is during the low season, from December through March.

While temperatures rise and rainfall is frequent, there are plenty of reasons to visit during the low season, beyond beating the crowds. During January locals host a vibrant cultural festival, complete with authentic cuisine and traditional performances. These kinds of experiences are ideal for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in Bora Bora’s customary rituals, while taking advantage of the extravagant accommodations.

The cloudy and rainy weather also begins to subside from late February, making the latter half of this season fantastic for adventures off the beaten path.

Best Months: February • March

The summer months in Bora Bora coincide with the wet, low season. Hence, the best time to visit for summer activities is February and March, right before the shoulder season.

Tours begin to open up and some of the best sunsets all year bless visitors traveling to Bora Bora at this time. Although frequent, rain showers are short and most marine activities are still possible.

When weather conditions are too disruptive, travelers can explore the island’s local craft markets, dine at stunning restaurants overlooking the sea at sunset, and enjoy the lavish amenities of premier accommodations.

Activities: Spa treatments • Sunset viewing • Snorkeling • Culinary tours • Markets and cultural centers

Best Months: May • September • October

The winter months of Bora Bora represent the dry season, meaning winter activities include the best experiences on the island.

May, September, and October are the perfect months for Bora Bora’s enchanting winter activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, hiking, and more. During these months there is little chance of rain and fewer crowds.

You can spend your days lounging on the chalky-white beaches, cruising around the coast to castaway coves, tucking into sensational local seafood dishes, and traversing the vivid rainforests cascading the mountainside.

Activities: Snorkeling • Scuba diving • Hiking • Whale watching • Fine dining • Cruises

Plan a postcard-perfect honeymoon to Bora Bora or bring your family to the sensational resorts circling the breathtaking coastline on customizable sample trips from our Bora Bora Vacations.

Each itinerary shares the charms of the island, with activities changing to suit your group and the chosen time of your tour, whether that be the best time to visit Bora Bora for scuba diving or the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.