best-time-to-surf-in-fiji© Tourism Fiji
best-time-to-surf-in-fiji

The Best Time to Surf in Fiji

© Tourism Fiji

When to Surf in Fiji

Let’s cut to the chase, there is never really a bad time to surf in Fiji. With warm air and water temperatures year-round mixed with epic surf breaks which work day after day, surfing can be done in Fiji whenever you are ready. On the other hand, if you are chasing certain conditions, the largest swells or the less-crowded time of the year, then you’ll definitely find that there are better times to surf in Fiji than others. Below, we’ll go through the different surf seasons in Fiji so you can work out when is the best time to surf in Fiji for you.

Want to learn more about Fiji surf? Check out The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji, as well as these 10 Best Surf Resorts in Fiji.

The Best Months to Surf in Fiji for…

  • Beginners – November to May
  • Intermediates – March to April and September to October
  • Experts – May to August
  • Avoiding the crowds – September to April
  • Surfing all day every day – March to October
  • Surfing a few times on holiday – September to March
  • Surfing in sunny weather – May to August

For more tips, head to 10 Tips for Surfing in Fiji.

best-time-to-surf-in-fiji© Tourism Fiji

Winter Surfing in Fiji

Although called the “winter season” between April and October, it feels far from winter. Air temperatures can be anywhere between 21 and 30°C (69.8-89°F) and the water temperatures are a comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F). The winter season is also Fiji’s driest season, which means more sunny days and fewer rainy days (not that the rain stops surfers in Fiji).

One aspect of winter that does affect surfers though is the huge swells that hit Fiji. Low-pressure systems build in the Southern Hemisphere during this time of the year sending large consistent swells toward Fiji. This is when you’re very likely to find your 8-10 footers, especially in mid-winter – not for the faint-hearted.

Broken up into separate months, you’ll see that the winter season still has some variations in typical surf conditions.

March and April

This is the time of the year where the swells start to build, giving surfers bigger waves, without being way too intimidating.

Conditions are usually fun for intermediate levels and up – knowing that in Fiji you’re likely to be surfing on reef breaks so some experience is definitely required.

March to April is also considered one of the “shoulder seasons” for surf in Fiji, where you’ll find that the surf breaks are not too busy.

May to August

This is when the winter season and the high swells really start to kick in. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, then May to August is the perfect time to surf in Fiji. At some of Fiji’s largest surf breaks, like Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Islands, this is where you’ll find your 8 to 10ft (2.4-3m) waves.

Knowing that May to August is when you’ll find Fiji’s largest waves, this time of year is also the busiest time to surf in Fiji. While the breaks are not as crowded as what you’ll find elsewhere in the world, you’ll still need to be aware of the people around you at Fiji’s most popular surf breaks.

September and October

As the high season for surfing is coming to an end, the waves start to get smaller during September and October. That’s not to say that the swell isn’t a decent size, bringing waves that are fun and accessible for surfers of an intermediate level and above.

Breaks are also less crowded during this time, making September and October the other shoulder season for surf in Fiji. Plus, with the weather getting increasingly warmer in the lead up to summer, September and October is definitely a comfortable time to surf in Fiji.

For more information on the weather, month-by-month, check out our Weather category.

best time to surf in fiji© Pixabay

Summer Surfing in Fiji

Summer in Fiji is when the climate gets warmer, more humid and the swells are smaller than what’s experienced in winter – but that’s not to say there’s no surf!

Expect the average maximum air temperature to stick around 31.6°C (88.9°F), while sea temperatures are around 28.5°C (83°F). UV levels will be sky high during midday so protecting yourself with rashies or a wetsuit top is more important now than ever.

November to March

During Fiji’s summer, the waves are cleaner than what’s experienced in winter. Experienced surfers might want to keep a close eye on surf forecasts for the best breaks – or leave it up to surf guides in Fiji’s surf resorts who will know the best places.

As for beginners, November to March is the best time to learn to surf in Fiji. Waves are more forgiving, but it’s still recommended to learn with a surf school.

On the plus side, November to March is considered the tourist “low season” all over Fiji, so everywhere will feel less crowded. You’ll get paradise all to yourself.

best-season-to-surf-in-fiji© Jason Jacobs on Flickr

The Best Time of Day to Surf in Fiji

Let’s be honest, some of us like to be on the water all day, which is totally plausible in Fiji. But if you’re looking for the perfect conditions, you’re best to take the boat out to the breaks in the morning.

Winds tend to be calmer in the morning, making for an all-round pleasant surfing experience. While wind, of course, does play its part in the wave conditions, many of the surf breaks in Fiji rely on the groundswell rather than the wind swell.

Plus, if you go surfing in the morning, you’ll be back in time for happy hour in the afternoon.

Now all you need to do is to check out the 10 Best Places to Surf in Fiji.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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