The Best Time to Dive in Fiji 🐙🗓️

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Winter Scuba Diving in Fiji

Fiji’s winter season, also known as the dry season, runs from April to October. However, the weather and water temperatures feel far from your typical “winter”. Air temperatures can be anywhere between 21 and 30°C (69.8-89°F), while sea temperatures are a comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F) – ideal for diving! A 5 mm full-length wetsuit is usually comfortable for these winter months.

Water Visibility in Winter

The winter season is also commonly known as the “dry season” due to the much less frequent precipitation than what’s experienced during other months of the year. This can also improve diving conditions, as there is much less surface run-off from islands obscuring visibility. Visibility in the winter season can be 30-50 m (98-165 ft).

The Peak Tourist Season

However, there is one downside to the winter season: it’s the most popular time for people to visit Fiji. Resorts are often fully booked, particularly in July and August, and dive sites see much more traffic during these months. Nevertheless, a way to avoid the crowds is to head to the less-visited islands, such as the Lomaiviti Islands and Kadavu – both home to arguably some of the best dive sites in the country! Find out more in the 20 Best Places to Scuba Dive in Fiji.

Learn more about the seasons in Fiji in The Fiji Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month. Plus, get more advice on planning a scuba trip to Fiji with The Best Scuba Diving in Fiji: Top 10 Places to Scuba Dive.

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Summer Scuba Diving in Fiji

Summer in Fiji, November to March, is when temperatures get warmer, it gets more humid, and there’s a higher rate of precipitation. Dive conditions are still good during these months, with almost all dive centres staying open throughout the season. However, it can be argued that the conditions aren’t quite as good as in winter…

Expect the average maximum air temperature to be around 31.6°C (88.9°F), while sea temperatures are often around 28.5°C (83°F). A 3 mm full-length or a shortie wetsuit is usually suitable for these months.

Water Visibility in Summer

However, a downside to the summer season is that it’s also known as the “wet season” due to the more frequent rainfall patterns. Rainfall rates are different for each island group, with islands like the eastern side of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni experiencing around 1,500-2,500 mm a year. Drier climates can be found in the Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands. The issue with rainfall is that it creates surface run-off on the islands, which runs off into the ocean, often reducing visibility to an average of 15-30 m (49-98 ft).

Unfavourable Ocean Conditions

Another risk of diving in summer is the cyclone season. While cyclones are not a common occurrence in Fiji, they have happened historically in January, February and March. The higher winds experienced through the cyclone season often make water conditions particularly choppy further away from shore. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of sheltered diving opportunities in between the islands, such as around the Mamanucas and the Yasawas.

Tourist Low Season

On the plus side, the summer season is the least busy time in Fiji for tourist visitors, often meaning that discounted resort and airfare rates are easy to find. This means that you’ll likely have your first choice of accommodation. There are usually discounts on accommodations and sometimes even flights, and you have entire dive sites to yourself (and your buddy/dive instructor, of course). More advantages for travelling at this time of the year can be found in the 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Fiji.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Scuba Dive in Fiji

Now that you know about the best time for scuba diving in Fiji, here are the answers to the internet’s frequently asked questions about diving in Fiji!

Is Fiji good for scuba diving?

Absolutely! Fiji is renowned as one of the world’s top diving destinations. With its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters, Fiji offers exceptional diving experiences for all levels. The country boasts over 390 coral species and more than 1,200 fish species, earning it the nickname “Soft Coral Capital of the World”. For more information, check out our guide to the best dive sites in Fiji.

How much does it cost to scuba dive in Fiji?

The cost of scuba diving in Fiji varies depending on the location, dive operator, and type of dive experience. Generally, a single tank dive can range from FJ$150 to FJ$260 (US$70 to US$125), while multi-dive packages or liveaboard experiences can cost more. Some resorts offer dive packages that include accommodation and meals. For more information, check out our guide to costs in Fiji.

Do you need a certification to scuba dive in Fiji?

While certification is not strictly required for all diving experiences in Fiji, it’s highly recommended and often necessary for more advanced dives. Many dive operators offer introductory or “Discover Scuba” courses for beginners. For deeper dives or more challenging sites, a PADI Open Water certification or equivalent is typically required. For more information, check out our guide to scuba diving certifications in Fiji.

What marine life can you see while diving in Fiji?

Fiji’s waters are teeming with diverse marine life. Divers can encounter colourful soft corals, various shark species (including bull sharks and reef sharks), manta rays, sea turtles, and a myriad of tropical fish. Some sites are known for specific attractions, such as the Beqa Lagoon for its shark dives or the Somosomo Strait for its abundant soft corals. For more information, check out our guide to Fiji’s marine life.

Are there any shark diving opportunities in Fiji?

Yes, Fiji offers some of the world’s best shark diving experiences. The most famous is the Shark Reef Marine Reserve near Pacific Harbour, where divers can encounter up to eight species of sharks, including bull sharks. Other popular shark diving locations include Beqa Lagoon and the Yasawa Islands. These dives are conducted under strict safety protocols by experienced dive operators. For more information, check out our guide to shark diving in Fiji.