The Best Time to Visit Bora Bora in 2023

Whether you want to sunbathe and enjoy cocktails all day or have an adventure-packed vacation, the beautiful island of Bora Bora has got you covered.

However, your experience on this French Polynesian island largely depends on which time of the year you’re visiting. Although Bora Bora is a year-round destination, it still has high and low seasons.

If you want to avoid getting caught in the crowds, or you’re eager to enjoy good deals, you need to research well. For beach bums who have their heart set on visiting Bora Bora, we’ve gathered all you need to know about the best time to visit Bora Bora.  

Why You Should Visit Bora Bora

No one can deny that Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world. Bora Bora’s crystal clear waters, tall mountains, and white sand beaches will give you a feel of true paradise.

In 2020 over 89,000 tourists visited this beautiful island. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will have an amazing time in this island paradise.

There are a lot of activities to do in Bora Bora, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking. There are also plenty of beaches to visit, and the local food will surely leave you wanting more. You’ll also get to meet the locals who give Bora Bora its real charm.

Overall Best Time to Visit Bora Bora

If you want to enjoy blue skies, warm weather, and limited crowds, visiting during the slower season is best.

This downtime is during April and November. In April, the rainy season will start to fade away. This change means better water visibility for those who want to visit Bora Bora mainly to dive and see underwater sights.

The beaches are also not too crowded during this time, so you won’t have trouble taking an Instagram-worthy shot. On the other hand, the humidity is higher during November, and while you may experience rain, the temperature on the island is still very manageable.

You’ll still be able to enjoy the sun because the rainy season is still starting, and you’ll also get to have fun doing activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.  

In April and November, there are also fewer tourists than in peak season, so you can explore the island without bumping into too many people. This slowdown is what makes it the best time to visit Bora Bora. 

In addition to the weather, the savings you can enjoy during the slow season are also great. The reason is that there are fewer tourists during these months, so the resorts decrease their rates and offer discounts for tourists.  

Cheapest Time to Visit Bora Bora

If your priority is to save some cash, the best time to visit Bora Bora is from December to March.

These months are considered low season because of the weather, but there are still plenty of activities you can enjoy. Typically, the wet season starts from November to April, but it is in full swing from December to March.

In these months, the weather is more unpredictable, and there are more chances of rain. However, these months are also the best time to visit the island because hotel rates are a lot more affordable compared to other months.

Because of the low season, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a more peaceful vacation with fewer tourists around you. Despite the humid and rainy weather, you’ll enjoy December in Bora Bora because it is Christmas time.

You’ll see the locals go into holiday mode, and you’ll be able to attend tons of local events. If you’re visiting in January, expect more rain. This month is usually when you can easily nab the best deal at luxury resorts, even if you’re on a budget.

While the weather is still not predictably sunny in February, you can expect to enjoy jaw-dropping sunsets, which is the perfect view to cap off your Valentine’s vacation.

Finally, the rain decreases more in March, although experiencing high humidity and unexpected rain showers during this month is still quite normal. March also marks the start of Bora Bora’s event season.

Least Busy Time to Visit Bora Bora

If you want to avoid the crowd, head over to Bora Bora from November to April.

During these months, the island experiences its wet season, so expect to see a lot of rain, and if it’s not raining, there’s a great chance that it will be cloudy.

During these months, resorts offer great deals to make up for the lack of tourists. In addition to the cheaper rates, you’ll also have a more peaceful vacation, although the weather isn’t as sunny as in other months.

As mentioned above, December is also one of the most humid months in Bora Bora. The same is true for January. You can get uncomfortable during the day and while doing sightseeing activities because of the weather.

Worst Time to Visit Bora Bora

The worst time to visit during February due to the weather and from May to October because every spot is packed. 

Although there is less rain in February compared to January, it has the highest probability of cyclones. French Polynesia is situated on the main cyclone belt, although cyclones are very rare and the last major one hit in 2010.  

During August, you’ll see tons of European travelers on the island because it’s the best time to enjoy the sunshine in this tropical paradise. The temperature during these months ranges from mid-70 °F to lower 80 °F. 

Aside from the crowd, you’ll also face exorbitant fees for resorts and hotels. Keep in mind that you’ll also be spending more on food due to the huge number of people on the island. 

It’s worth noting that the mainland only has one major sandy stretch called Matira beach. So you may not be able to enjoy its white powdery sand and crystal clear water when it’s filled with hordes of locals and tourists. 

If you want to enjoy private beaches during these months, it’s recommended to stay in resorts or hotels located on small islands that are off the mainland because their beaches are private and can only be accessed by guests.  

If you don’t mind the crowd and you just want to enjoy the sun, you’ll still be able to enjoy Bora Bora from May to October.

No matter which month you choose to visit, there’s no doubt that Bora Bora is a wonderful place to be. Whether you want to experience a relaxing vacation or want to take part in excursions and underwater activities, you’ll enjoy your time on this amazing island.

Things to Consider

There are a lot of things to consider when booking your Bora Bora vacation. We’ve rounded up some below.  

Budget

Bora Bora is not a cheap place to go to. However, you can still enjoy your vacation without spending a fortune. The best way to save money is to research and book your trip in advance. Always be on the lookout for deals online. 

The island offers lots of activities, so you’ll be able to enjoy your stay even if you’re not able to splurge on the luxurious resorts. Don’t forget that you can also save with the cheaper rates offered in shoulder season. 

Seasons

The climate in Bora Bora varies depending on which season you are in. The temperatures from May to October are higher. The humidity is also higher during this time, so it might get uncomfortable during the day. 

However, the water visibility can be better during these months, thus making it a great time for scuba divers to visit. During the wet season, the weather becomes very unpredictable. It’s also not a great time to do underwater activities.  

Safety

Bora Bora is one of the safest islands in the Pacific. The locals are friendly, and the maintenance of the island is also top-notch. As long as you maintain some level of tourist behavior and respect, you can expect to have a wonderful time in Bora Bora. 

Exploring Less Popular Sights

When most people think of Bora Bora, they immediately visualize the amazing beaches and resorts of the island. However, there are also other sights worth checking out, such as Mount Pahia.  

Planning Your Trip

If you want to make the most out of your trip to Bora Bora, it’s recommended to plan accordingly. Keep in mind that there are tons of things to do on the island, so you have to make the best out of your time.  

If you want to see almost all of Bora Bora’s sights, try to plan a week-long or two-week vacation. The best way to make sure that you’ll be able to see everything you want is to anticipate what you want to do and when you want to do it.  

Pack Accordingly

When packing your things for your Bora Bora vacation, it’s important to be aware of how you can carry your items. The rule of thumb is to be as light as possible since you’ll have to bring all your stuff with you, whether you’re traveling around by air, boat, or by land.  

Pack light clothing that you can easily pack and unpack. Do not forget to bring the following things because renting or buying essentials in Bora Bora can get expensive:

• Diving suit
• Beachwear
• Sandals
• Toiletries
• Sun hats
• Sunscreen
• Protein bars 

Research Water Activities

There are a lot of water activities that you can explore in Bora Bora. When planning your vacation, you have to make sure that you’ll be able to enjoy some of these activities. 

Bora Bora is an excellent place for beginner divers as the island offers excellent opportunities for non-divers. You can also snorkel. Aside from the beautiful fishes, you also get to see coral reefs. In addition, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. 

Research Land Activities and Cultural Spots 

Bora Bora is also a place to enjoy the authentic Polynesian culture and traditional dances. You can also learn about the history of the island and its people. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy your vacation outside of the beach. 

Have Cash on Hand 

One of the things that you need to keep in mind is to have French Pacific Franc on hand. Although most hotels and shops on the island accept credit cards, it’s still best to have cash on hand.

This way, you can use it to pay for tricycles, rent out mopeds, pay for parking, pay for water sports, and other non-hotel services that you can avail of.

Learn a Few Tahitian Phrases 

It is recommended to learn a few Tahitian phrases to help you communicate better with the locals. It’s also a good way to make friends and stay connected with them. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you may have about Bora Bora:

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Bora Bora?

The simple answer is anytime! However, if you want to have the best time in Bora Bora, you need to choose the right season.

If you want to avoid crowds and save money, the best time is to visit during shoulder seasons, specifically in April and November. If you want to get good deals, plan your trip from November to April during the rainy season.