Bora Bora Weather Guide: Seasonal Trends & Climate Insights

Bora Bora experiences a classic tropical maritime climate, defined by its consistency and the influence of the surrounding South Pacific. While temperatures vary only slightly throughout the year, the island is governed by two distinct seasons that impact everything from the clarity of the lagoon to the intensity of the humidity.

The Two Primary Seasons

The Dry Season (Austral Winter): May to October

This is the high season for the island, marked by clear blue skies and lower humidity.

• Temperature: Daytime highs average around 82°F to 84°F (28°C–29°C), while nights feel noticeably cooler and refreshed, dipping to 72°F to 75°F (22°C–24°C).
• Atmosphere: The air is less "heavy" than in the summer. This period is also the windiest, which helps regulate the heat.
• Water Conditions: Lagoon temperatures remain a comfortable 80°F to 81°F (27°C), though the increased trade winds can occasionally make the outer reef waters choppier.

The Wet Season (Austral Summer): November to April

Characterized by higher heat and significant precipitation, this season brings the lush, vibrant green landscapes Bora Bora is known for.

• Temperature: Highs often hit 86°F to 88°F (30°C–31°C). High humidity levels mean the "real feel" temperature can frequently exceed 95°F (35°C).
• Rainfall: Tropical downpours are common, often occurring as intense, short-lived afternoon cloudbursts known locally as "liquid sunshine." December and January are typically the wettest months.
• Water Conditions: The lagoon is at its warmest, reaching 84°F (29°C), and water clarity is generally excellent between rain showers due to the calmer winds.

Local Meteorological Phenomena

The Mara’amu Wind

From June to August, the southeast trade winds—known as the Mara’amu—blow across the Society Islands. While these winds provide a natural air-conditioning effect that locals welcome, they can be quite strong, reaching 25–30 knots. For visitors, this wind can lead to occasional ocean swells and may temporarily affect boat transfers between the airport motu (islet) and the main island.

Liquid Sunshine

During the wet season, it is common to experience rain and brilliant sunshine simultaneously. These "sun showers" are part of the daily rhythm; locals rarely stop their activities for them, as they are viewed as a brief respite from the midday heat.

Regional Microclimates

The topography of Bora Bora, dominated by the twin peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, creates small microclimates. The central mountains often catch clouds and trigger localized rainfall that may not reach the surrounding motus (islets). Resorts located on the eastern motus often experience the full force of the trade winds, making them feel cooler, while the leeward (western) side of the island tends to be calmer and more humid.

Historical Context and Adaptation

Bora Bora sits on the eastern edge of the South Pacific cyclone belt. While direct hits are historically rare—with major events occurring only every few decades—the risk is highest between February and March. Local architecture, particularly the iconic overwater bungalows, is engineered to withstand tropical gusts, and the traditional steep-pitched Polynesian roofs are designed to shed heavy rainwater efficiently.

What it "Feels Like"

In Bora Bora, the weather is more about the "feel" of the humidity and wind than the number on the thermometer.

• In the Dry Season: It feels like a perpetual, breezy spring afternoon. The sun is intense, but the constant Mara’amu wind prevents the heat from becoming overbearing.
• In the Wet Season: It feels like a warm, moist embrace. The air is thick, and the transition from a sunny morning to a grey, thundering afternoon can happen in minutes. Nighttime offers less of a temperature drop, leading to balmy, atmospheric evenings where the scent of Tiare flowers is most concentrated in the damp air.