When to go to Bora Bora? Climate, seasons, and best times to travel
09/06/2025
Bora Bora is one of French Polynesia's must-see destinations. Born of a volcano that rose from the sea 13 million years ago, the island offers a rich and varied environment. With its iconic landscapes, unique ecosystem, idyllic beaches, pristine nature, and breathtaking lagoon, Bora Bora is an ideal destination for snorkelling, hiking, discovering memorable panoramas, scuba diving, or simply enjoying the shade of the palm trees on the beach. A Bora Bora cruise is also a great way to explore the island and its surroundings at a relaxed pace. However, if you're wondering when to go or when to plan your trip, knowing when to go to Bora Bora can make all the difference. Depending on the dates of your visit to French Polynesia, between the dry and rainy seasons, and the significant variations in tourist numbers, your experience of Bora Bora can be quite different.
This guide is here to help you plan your trip, depending on what you want to do: whether you want to avoid the crowds or take advantage of the best weather conditions, you'll find tips to optimise your experience. It will also introduce you to an original way of discovering the island, in any season in Bora Bora, thanks to Aranui’s unique cruise itinerary.
Bora Bora's climate in brief
Bora Bora is located in the South Pacific Ocean, not far from the equator, and therefore enjoys a tropical climate. This is characterised by fairly high temperatures that vary only slightly throughout the year. However, there are two main seasons. These are not punctuated by changes in temperature, as we are used to, but by a change in the frequency and intensity of the rain, resulting in the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season (May to October)
From May to October, temperatures remain pleasant, fluctuating between 24 and 29°C. The weather remains stable, with little chance of rainfall, low humidity, almost constant sunshine, and calm seas. This is the high season, and the most popular period for tourists, especially during the school holidays. Many choose to stay in an overwater bungalow or luxury resort during this time to enjoy the beauty of the lagoon and the beach.
Rainy season (November to April)
From November to April, short but regular showers make the island particularly humid. However, this makes the landscapes greener and the lagoons more photogenic. During this wet season, Bora Bora attracts fewer visitors. It therefore offers a more peaceful atmosphere and encourages a more authentic immersion in the local culture, including rich Polynesian traditions.
Which period to choose according to your priorities
Choosing the best time to visit Bora Bora depends first and foremost on your priorities, be they weather, peace and quiet, or budget. Here's some information to help you make the best choice :
For ideal weather and beautiful colours
If you're looking for ideal weather and beautiful colours, the dry season is for you. It offers ideal weather conditions: plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures, and calm seas for a wide range of water sports, including snorkel excursions, boat trips, and dive tours. These conditions will also enable you to make the most of Bora Bora's extensive paradise and colourful landscapes.
To avoid the crowds and discover Bora Bora more calmly
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and discover Bora Bora more calmly, April, early May, or November are the ideal periods. In fact, these are the periods of transition from one season to another, also known as the shoulder season. They offer a good balance between favourable weather and fewer tourists. You'll be able to enjoy the island more peacefully and take advantage of the often more advantageous rates for your accommodation and activities.
Travel differently, in a local atmosphere
If you want to travel differently and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, the rainy season promises a more intimate experience. With the risk of heavy downpours, tourist numbers drop sharply, so you can explore Bora Bora at your own pace, in a more authentic way, while benefiting from lower rates on your tickets and local purchases. It's an ideal opportunity for those who want to avoid the crowds and fully immerse themselves in the Polynesian culture.
Travel all year round with Aranui Cruises
Aranui Cruises offers a wide range of unique itineraries to French Polynesia. Adapted to the season in Bora Bora, our itineraries include a stopover on the island of Bora Bora.
Regular departures adapted to the seasons
Whatever the season, departures are always organised :
Between May and December 2025, Aranui offers one or two departures a month to the Marquesas Islands. These cruises offer a unique experience in French Polynesia, including a stopover on the marvellous island of Bora Bora.
A stopover in Bora Bora will allow you to immerse yourself in the island's idyllic landscape, famous for its turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches. You'll enjoy a comfortable, authentic voyage, indistinguishable from an exploration of the dreamlike surroundings on offer.
In 2026, Aranui plans departures throughout the year, from January to December, alternating destinations between the Marquesas and Austral Islands. This programme offers the chance to discover two of French Polynesia's archipelagos, each very different from the other, with breathtaking panoramas and a rich, vibrant local atmosphere.
Cruises to the Austral Islands are usually scheduled by Aranui at the beginning and end of the year. During this period, you can take advantage of the mild climate to discover all the special local features of the islands, including nearby Tahiti.
Comfortable cruising whatever the weather
Thanks to its navigation and its programme designed according to seasonal weather conditions, Aranui offers complete excursions even during the wet season. This allows you to enjoy a more intimate atmosphere outside the busy seasons.
Bora Bora with Aranui: an exclusive stopover
To make the excursion even more personalised, Aranui has included an exclusive day on Motu Tapu, reserved exclusively for the ship's passengers. During this day, you'll have the opportunity to discover the island of Bora Bora without the hassle of the tourist crowds. Exclusive cultural and nautical activities will be offered on-site to help you discover this paradise, from snorkelling and traditional dance to exploring pristine beaches. This stop comes after sailing through the Leeward Islands, including Raiatea, adding even more depth and authenticity to your Polynesian experience.
Bora Bora can be experienced in all seasons
L'Aranui allows you to spend special moments on these unspoilt islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Each trip is unique, as many criteria come into play to create a singular atmosphere.
To ensure that your cruise will meet your expectations, it's important to choose a time to visit Bora Bora whose criteria best match your desires. Whether you're interested in sunshine, tranquility during your visits, or immersion in the local culture, Bora Bora will meet your expectations.
To discover Bora Bora in a different way, the Aranui allows you to combine an ideal climate, local culture, and year-round comfort. Aranui, the perfect choice for creating memorable memories without the headaches. Book your overwater adventure with confidence and enjoy your stay in one of the world’s most iconic resorts.
Looking to explore more of French Polynesia beyond Bora Bora? Discover our cruises in French Polynesia :
- Bora Bora Cruise
- Tahiti Cruise
- Marquesas Islands Cruise
- Austral Islands Cruise
- Cook Islands Cruise
- Pitcairn Islands Cruise
- Society Islands Cruise
- Tuamotu Islands Cruise
- Gambier Islands Cruise
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