Fiji is an archipelago of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific. Travelers come for the lagoons of the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands, diving on coral reefs and the welcome in the villages. The best period is May to October, in the dry season and outside the cyclone season. This Fiji travel guide also points to a neighbor in the same region of the Pacific: our guide to Vanuatu, between volcanoes and lagoons.
This guide brings together the islands to know, itineraries, entry requirements checked with the U.S. and UK authorities, official climate normals and a calculation we have not found elsewhere: the number of rain days to expect over a week, month by month, in Nadi (dry west coast) and Suva (wet east coast).
Fiji at a glance
CapitalSuva, on the island of Viti Levu
LanguagesEnglish, Fijian and Fiji HindiEnglish is spoken in tourist areas
Go between May and October. This is the dry season: in Nadi, 50 to 92 mm (2.0 to 3.6 in) of rain falls per month from May to October, compared with more than 330 mm (13.0 in) from January to March. Temperatures stay warm all year (highs of 28 to 31 °C, or 82 to 88 °F). According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 10 August 2026), the tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to April, although cyclones can occur throughout the year: if you travel then, follow the Fiji Meteorological Service bulletins and take out suitable insurance.
Month
High
Low
Rainfall
Rain days
Sunshine (h)
Cyclone season
Verdict
January
31.4 °C (89 °F)
23.3 °C (74 °F)
365.2 mm (14.4 in)
14.1
207
Yes
❌ Heavy rain, cyclones possible
February
31.5 °C (89 °F)
23.3 °C (74 °F)
335.5 mm (13.2 in)
15.1
186
Yes
❌ Heavy rain, cyclones possible
March
31.3 °C (88 °F)
23.3 °C (74 °F)
350.5 mm (13.8 in)
16.2
192
Yes
❌ Wettest month, cyclones possible
April
30.8 °C (87 °F)
22.6 °C (73 °F)
187.8 mm (7.4 in)
9.9
193
Yes
⚠️ End of cyclone season, less rain
May
29.7 °C (85 °F)
21.1 °C (70 °F)
92.2 mm (3.6 in)
4.9
210
No
✅ Start of the dry season
June
29.0 °C (84 °F)
20.1 °C (68 °F)
57.0 mm (2.2 in)
3.6
199
No
✅ Dry, cooler nights
July
28.5 °C (83 °F)
19.2 °C (67 °F)
50.5 mm (2.0 in)
3.1
218
No
✅ Driest month in Nadi
August
28.6 °C (83 °F)
19.4 °C (67 °F)
64.7 mm (2.5 in)
4.1
221
No
✅ Dry and sunny
September
29.2 °C (85 °F)
20.3 °C (69 °F)
72.3 mm (2.8 in)
4.7
202
No
✅ Dry
October
30.1 °C (86 °F)
21.3 °C (70 °F)
87.0 mm (3.4 in)
6.5
221
No
✅ Dry, getting hotter
November
30.8 °C (87 °F)
22.3 °C (72 °F)
126.5 mm (5.0 in)
8.7
216
Yes
⚠️ Start of cyclone season
December
31.4 °C (89 °F)
23.0 °C (73 °F)
210.2 mm (8.3 in)
11.9
215
Yes
⚠️ Hot, more rain, cyclones possible
Nadi (international airport), 1991–2020 normals for Nadi International Airport and Suva (Laucala Bay), published by the World Meteorological Organization from Fiji Meteorological Service data. Rain days: days with at least 1 mm. Cyclone season: November to April according to the UK FCDO and the U.S. Department of State.
Dry season and wet season
Dry season (May to October): little rain in the west, cooler nights (lows of 19 to 21 °C, or 66 to 70 °F, in Nadi), plenty of sunshine.
Wet season (November to April): heat, heavy showers and cyclone risk. The UK FCDO notes that cyclones can cause flooding and landslides, often damaging or blocking roads.
A week of rain: Nadi vs Suva
Viti Levu is split by its mountains: the west (Nadi, Mamanuca, Yasawa) is sheltered, the east (Suva) much wetter. We calculated how many rain days to expect on a 7-day stay.
Month
Rainfall Nadi
Rainfall Suva
Rain days per 7 days in Nadi
… in Suva
Sunshine Suva (h)
January
365.2 mm (14.4 in)
342.9 mm (13.5 in)
3.2
4.2
187
February
335.5 mm (13.2 in)
275.9 mm (10.9 in)
3.8
4.2
178
March
350.5 mm (13.8 in)
339.7 mm (13.4 in)
3.7
4.4
180
April
187.8 mm (7.4 in)
335.3 mm (13.2 in)
2.3
4.2
151
May
92.2 mm (3.6 in)
232.9 mm (9.2 in)
1.1
3.5
151
June
57.0 mm (2.2 in)
156.3 mm (6.2 in)
0.8
3.1
133
July
50.5 mm (2.0 in)
136.3 mm (5.4 in)
0.7
2.9
135
August
64.7 mm (2.5 in)
144.4 mm (5.7 in)
0.9
2.9
137
September
72.3 mm (2.8 in)
188.3 mm (7.4 in)
1.1
3.0
128
October
87.0 mm (3.4 in)
248.2 mm (9.8 in)
1.5
3.3
155
November
126.5 mm (5.0 in)
247.2 mm (9.7 in)
2.0
3.5
162
December
210.2 mm (8.3 in)
344.3 mm (13.6 in)
2.7
4.1
180
Destination de Voyage calculation based on 1991–2020 normals (WMO / Fiji Meteorological Service): rain days per 7 days = days with at least 1 mm in the month × 7 / number of days in the month.
In Nadi in July, less than one rain day per week (0.7); in March, more than three (3.7).
In Suva, it rains all year: at least 2.9 days out of 7, even in the dry season. About 2,992 mm (117.8 in) a year, compared with 1,999 mm (78.7 in) in Nadi.
In practice: for the beach, favor the west (Mamanuca, Yasawa, Coral Coast); keep Suva for a cultural visit.
What to see in Fiji: the highlights
Viti Levu, Nadi and the Coral Coast
Viti Levu is the main island, home to Nadi International Airport. In the south, the Coral Coast is lined with beaches, hotels and reefs. Inland, the highlands can be explored on hikes or day trips, with villages and rivers.
Suva, the capital
On the east coast of Viti Levu, Suva is the capital and main port. Visit the Fiji Museum, the municipal market and the colonial waterfront. The climate is much wetter than in Nadi. The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated October 22, 2026) reports assaults and robberies in the downtown bar and nightclub district, on the seawall after dark and on Victoria Parade.
The Mamanuca Islands
Off Nadi, the Mamanuca group is the most accessible: small islands, lagoons, resorts and snorkeling. Boats serve them from Denarau. Elsewhere in the South Pacific, Samoa, a Polynesian archipelago, has its own guide.
The Yasawa Islands
Further north, the Yasawa chain offers wilder islands, simple lodgings or resorts and secluded beaches, reached by boat from Denarau.
Taveuni
The country’s third island, nicknamed the « Garden Island », Taveuni is known for its vegetation, waterfalls and diving in the Somosomo Strait. It is reached by domestic flight or ferry.
Vanua Levu and Savusavu
The country’s second island, Vanua Levu has a more rural pace. Savusavu, a small port on a sheltered bay, is a base for diving and exploring the coast.
Kadavu
South of Viti Levu, Kadavu draws divers for its reefs. Infrastructure is limited.
Fijian culture: useful pointers
Kava (yaqona): a traditional drink, also called « grog ». At the sevusevu ceremony, the visitor offers kava to the chief of the welcoming village. The UK FCDO advises being aware of the potential risk of liver toxicity, and covering shoulders and knees during kava ceremonies.
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple: a large Dravidian-style Hindu temple in Nadi, reflecting the large Indo-Fijian community; guided visits are possible, the inner sanctums are reserved for worshippers.
Rugby: it is the national sport; local matches are a good way to meet people.
Itinerary ideas for Fiji
7 to 10 days: 2 days in and around Nadi, 3 to 4 days in the Mamanuca Islands, 2 to 3 days on the Coral Coast.
2 weeks: Nadi, 5 to 6 days island-hopping in the Yasawas, 2 days on the Coral Coast, 1 day in Suva, then 3 to 4 days on Taveuni or in Savusavu by domestic flight.
Diving: combine Taveuni and Kadavu. Check your insurance covers decompression treatment and evacuation: the U.S. Department of State reports that Fiji’s hyperbaric chamber is not currently in service, and the nearest ones are in New Zealand and Australia.
Budget for a trip to Fiji
We do not give unverified price ranges. The biggest expenses are the international flight, boat transfers to the islands and resorts. Simple lodgings in the Yasawas and the markets keep the bill down. Compare prices on the airline and accommodation websites.
Getting around Fiji
Between islands: boats from Denarau to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands; ferries to Vanua Levu and Taveuni. The UK FCDO advises checking the operator’s credentials and safety equipment and avoiding overloaded vessels.
By air: domestic flights from Nadi and Suva to Taveuni, Savusavu and Kadavu.
On Viti Levu: taxis and rental cars; the coastal road links Nadi and Suva via the Coral Coast. Fiji drives on the left (U.S. Department of State). Only use licensed taxis and minibuses with yellow plates (GOV.UK); the U.S. Department of State advises avoiding minivans and public buses for safety reasons. UK visitors can drive on their UK licence (GOV.UK). Avoid driving outside towns at night: roads are poorly lit, with pedestrians and stray animals.
Where to stay in Fiji
Area
Best for
Strengths
Nadi and Denarau
Arrival, departure
Close to the airport and the boat harbor
Mamanuca Islands
Families, short stays
Lagoons, islands close to Nadi
Yasawa Islands
Island-hoppers
Wilder islands, varied lodgings
Coral Coast
A stay on Viti Levu
Beaches, road access
Taveuni, Savusavu
Divers, nature lovers
Peace and quiet, reefs
Keep your passport in a secure place and carry a copy of its photo page, as the UK FCDO recommends.
Entry requirements for Fiji
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated October 22, 2026), you do not need a visa as a tourist staying less than four months. You need a passport valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure from Fiji, proof of sufficient funds and an onward or return ticket.
UK citizens
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 10 August 2026), you do not need a visa for visits of up to 4 months. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and at the border you must show an onward or return ticket and a valid visa for your next destination, if required.
Customs: all luggage arriving at Nadi is X-rayed, and most fresh food is confiscated unless you arrive from a country with a quarantine agreement; cash of 10,000 Fijian dollars or more must be declared (GOV.UK).
Vaccines: a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a transmission risk (GOV.UK).
Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026; check them again before you travel.
Health and safety
Health: health risks include dengue, Zika and chikungunya (GOV.UK); the U.S. Department of State also lists typhoid and measles. Protect yourself against mosquitoes and check vaccine recommendations at least 8 weeks before your trip. Healthcare facilities are limited, serious cases are often evacuated abroad, and hospitals usually ask for immediate cash payment (GOV.UK): insurance covering treatment and evacuation is essential.
Safety: the risk of serious crime is generally low, but sexual assaults on foreign women have occurred; take extra care walking at night (GOV.UK). The U.S. Department of State reports assaults in central Suva at night and in Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, and advises not walking alone after dark and never getting into a taxi already carrying passengers. Beware of card skimming at ATMs.
Sea: there are dangerous rip tides along reefs and estuaries; swim at beaches with lifeguards and follow the flags (GOV.UK).
Natural hazards: Fiji is in an earthquake zone, and tremors can trigger tsunami alerts; follow local safety procedures (GOV.UK).
Laws: possession of any amount of marijuana carries a 3-month prison sentence; topless bathing and public nudity are illegal; cover shoulders and knees in rural villages (GOV.UK). Emergency number: 911 (fire 910).
Money: most tourist hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards; not all ATMs accept every card, but ANZ and Westpac ATMs take Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus (GOV.UK). Small shops prefer cash.
Cyclones: follow updates from the Fiji Meteorological Service and the National Disaster Management Office, and the instructions of your accommodation.
Internet: coverage is limited or non-existent in rural areas and on outer islands; Fiji SIM cards are sold at Nadi airport and must be registered (GOV.UK). See our eSIM guide.
Packing: light clothing, sun protection, insect repellent; see what to pack.
Documents: keep photocopies and scans of your papers.
May to October, in the dry season. In Nadi, July is the least rainy month (50.5 mm, or 2.0 in, 1991–2020 normals).
When is cyclone season in Fiji?
According to the UK FCDO, it normally runs from November to April, although cyclones can occur throughout the year. Follow the Fiji Meteorological Service bulletins at that time.
Do I need a visa for Fiji?
No, not for US or British tourists staying up to four months. You need a passport valid at least six months (after departure for US citizens according to travel.state.gov, after arrival for British citizens according to GOV.UK) and an onward or return ticket; US travelers may also be asked for proof of funds. Checked on 24 October 2026.
How do you get to Fiji?
Most international flights land at Nadi International Airport, on Viti Levu. Routes and connections vary by season: check with the airlines.
What time zone is Fiji in?
Fiji is on UTC+12: 12 hours ahead of London and 17 hours ahead of New York in the northern winter.
Does it rain a lot in Suva?
Yes: about 2,992 mm (117.8 in) a year in Suva, compared with 1,999 mm (78.7 in) in Nadi, according to the 1991–2020 normals.
Our sources
Fiji Meteorological Service / World Meteorological Organization: 1991–2020 normals for Nadi International Airport and Suva (Laucala Bay), published by the WMO from Fiji Meteorological Service data, via the Wikipedia articles « Nadi » and « Suva »
Destination de Voyage calculation: expected rain days over 7 days in Nadi and Suva
Wikipedia: articles « Fiji » (national sport), « Kava culture » and « Sri Siva Subramaniya temple », accessed on 23 October 2026
Entry, health and safety information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Fiji country information (travel.state.gov, last updated October 22, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Fiji (GOV.UK, updated 10 August 2026)
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