Fiji has a tropical maritime climate, tempered by the ocean and
trade winds. Fiji’s weather is not, however, uniform throughout the
islands. There is a range of climates, from the hot and dry to the
warm and wet, providing conditions favorable for the growth of a
variety of food and commercial crops. The leeward sides of the
major islands (eg the Lautoka or Labasa areas) are dry, with clear
skies, a limited temperature range and abundant sunshine. It is on
the leeward or western side of Viti Levu that most of Fiji’s
resorts are located. Average annual rainfall there is 165 to 180
cm. The windward sides of the islands are subject to cloudy skies
and frequent rains with even temperatures and moderate sunshine.
Suva is an example of a windward climatic area and averages 300 cm
of rainfall annually.
Weather in Fiji
Fiji's climate has a wet and dry season. The wet season is between
November and April, which is also when hurricanes and cyclones are
most likely to occur while the dry season is between May and
October. The prevailing trade winds blow from the east for most of
the year and average annual precipitation varies from 1,780 mm (70
inches) to 2,030 mm (80 inches). Average temperature ranges in Suva
are from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit) in
August to 23 to 30 degrees Celsius (73 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) in
February. (Above charts and text courtesy of Global Surfers the
best source of surfers’ info on the Net.)
The cool, dry months – which are the best time to visit – are from
May to October. The so-called `winter’ begins in July. During July
and August the temperature may drop to between 18\C and 20\C, and
lower inland. Even during the winter months, however, these
relatively low temperatures are by no means constant. Spells of
cloudy, cool weather with occasional rains alternate with warm,
sunny days, sometimes of high humidity. The hot, wet season may
begin as early as November; but the conjunction of heat and
humidity that most people from moderate climates find trying occurs
during the first three months of the year. During this time the
temperature ranges from 23\C to 31\C, and it may rain nearly every
day.
Sunrise, Sunset…
If you’re interested in sunset, sunrise, dawn and dusk times in
Fiji and elsewhere go to
Matti Tukianien’s site.