Bora Bora is a year-round destination, but the dry season from May to October delivers the calmest lagoon, the clearest water and the sunniest skies. Here is exactly what to expect each month so you can time your trip perfectly.
Last verified: October 2026
The two seasons at a glance
Bora Bora has just two seasons. The dry season (May–October) is cooler, less humid and much drier (showers still happen) — ideal for snorkelling, diving and lagoon tours. The wet season (November–April) is hotter and more humid with more frequent rain (December and January are the wettest months), lusher scenery and lower resort rates.
For most honeymooners the sweet spot is the shoulder months of May and October, which pair good weather with thinner crowds and better pricing than the June–September high season.
Month-by-month weather
Average temperatures, sea temperature, rainfall and cyclone risk for every month.
Month
Season
High / Low
Sea
Rainfall
Cyclone risk
January
Wet season
31° / 25°C
29°C
High (245 mm)
Moderate (cyclone season)
February
Wet season
31° / 25°C
29°C
High (212 mm)
Moderate (cyclone season)
March
Wet season
31° / 26°C
29°C
Medium-high (168 mm)
Moderate (cyclone season)
April
Wet season (ending)
31° / 26°C
29°C
Medium (144 mm)
Low (end of cyclone season)
May
Shoulder (dry)
30° / 25°C
28°C
Medium-low (112 mm)
Very low
June
Dry season (high season)
29° / 24°C
27°C
Low (86 mm)
Very low
July
Dry season (peak)
29° / 24°C
27°C
Low (62 mm)
Very low
August
Dry season (peak)
29° / 24°C
27°C
Low (64 mm)
Very low
September
Dry season (high season)
29° / 24°C
27°C
Low (65 mm)
Very low
October
Shoulder (dry)
30° / 24°C
27°C
Medium-low (109 mm)
Low
November
Wet season
31° / 25°C
28°C
Medium (139 mm)
Low-moderate (cyclone season begins)
December
Wet season
31° / 25°C
28°C
High (251 mm)
Moderate (cyclone season)
Air temperatures and rainfall: Météo-France 1991–2020 normals for Bora Bora airport. Sea temperatures are approximate. December and January are the wettest months.
When to book for the best value
Peak demand runs June to September (busiest in July and August) and over the December holidays. Book overwater bungalows 9–12 months ahead for those windows. For the best balance of weather and price, target the shoulder months and reserve 4–6 months out.
Bora Bora weather by month in °F, inches and rainy days
The same Météo-France 1991–2020 normals for Bora Bora airport, converted for US travelers. "Rainy days" counts days with at least 1 mm of rain, so many of them still have long sunny spells.
Month
High / Low
Rainfall
Rainy days
January
88° / 78°F
9.6 in
17
February
88° / 78°F
8.3 in
15
March
89° / 78°F
6.6 in
14
April
88° / 78°F
5.7 in
12
May
86° / 77°F
4.4 in
11
June
85° / 76°F
3.4 in
10
July
84° / 75°F
2.4 in
9
August
84° / 75°F
2.5 in
9
September
85° / 75°F
2.5 in
9
October
86° / 76°F
4.3 in
11
November
87° / 77°F
5.5 in
12
December
87° / 77°F
9.9 in
17
Across the year Bora Bora gets about 65 inches (1,654 mm) of rain, with roughly 147 rainy days. March is the warmest month by average high; August has the coolest nights. The coldest temperature recorded at the airport is only 17.8°C (64°F), so a light layer for evening boat rides is all you need.
Best time to visit Bora Bora for whales and festivals
Humpback whales (July–November): Humpbacks come to French Polynesia to mate and give birth. Sightings peak from August to October, and whale-watching trips start from about $200 per person. Since 1 January 2025, in-water swims are limited to groups of six.
Heiva i Bora Bora (late June to mid-July): Evenings of traditional dance and song competitions in Vaitape. In 2026 it ran from 26 June to 13 July.
Hawaiki Nui Va'a (late October): The great outrigger canoe race ends on Matira Beach. The 2026 race runs 28–30 October.
Crowds and prices through the year
July and August are the busiest months, and they are also among the driest. The December holidays are the other crunch, even though they fall in the wettest stretch. Expect the highest rates and the tightest availability in both windows, especially for overwater bungalows.
From November to April, apart from the holidays, resorts are quieter and rates are generally lower. Look for long-stay offers too: InterContinental Le Moana, for example, advertises up to 35% off stays of seven nights or more (Oct 2026). Read the cancellation terms closely, because some discounted rates are fully prepaid and non-refundable. To see how timing changes your total, try our trip cost calculator.
What to pack for Bora Bora weather
May–October: Light clothes, a thin layer for breezy evenings on the water, and reef shoes.
November–April: A light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and a small umbrella for heavier showers.
Year-round: A hat, sunglasses, a rash guard and insect repellent (French Polynesia's health authority reports dengue circulating). The sun is strong at 16° south of the equator.
Frequently asked questions
June to September brings the driest, sunniest weather but also peak prices and crowds (July and August are busiest). May and October offer similar conditions with fewer crowds and better rates.
The dry season (May–October) is much drier, though showers still happen. The wet season (November–April) brings more frequent rain, especially in December and January, when it rains on about half the days. Many showers are short, but tropical lows can bring several wet days in a row.
French Polynesia sits in a cyclone-risk zone from November to April, though direct hits on Bora Bora are rare. Risk is highest, though still low, from January to March.
Warm year-round: average highs of about 29–31°C and lows of 24–26°C (Météo-France normals). The dry season (May–October) is sunnier and less humid; the wet season (November–April) is hotter and more humid, with more frequent rain.
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