Fiji Weather Radar

Fiji climate

Fiji's tropical oceanic climate delivers warm temperatures year-round, moderated by the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The archipelago of over 330 islands experiences two seasons: a warm, wet season from November to April when tropical cyclones pose the greatest threat, and a cooler, drier season from May to October when southeast trade winds bring more comfortable conditions. Temperatures typically range from 23°C to 31°C, with the ocean keeping extremes in check.

Tropical cyclones are Fiji's most significant weather hazard, with the islands sitting in an active cyclone basin. Cyclone Winston in 2016, the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in the Southern Hemisphere at the time, devastated the islands with Category 5 winds. The mountainous interiors of the larger islands like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu create rain shadow effects, with the windward southeastern sides receiving significantly more rainfall than the drier northwestern leeward sides.

Suva, the capital on the wet southeastern coast of Viti Levu, receives over 3,000mm of annual rainfall and is one of the wettest capital cities in the Pacific. Nadi on the drier western coast is sunnier and the main tourism gateway, with about 1,800mm of rain concentrated in the wet season. The outer islands and coral atolls have less topographic rainfall but are more exposed to cyclone winds and storm surge. Ocean temperatures remain a bathing-friendly 26-29°C year-round.