Visiting Fiji at the wrong time carries much more risk than just halfhearted sightseeing. It can mean being exposed to an uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous environment.
The hurricane season, which runs from November through April, is easily the worst time to visit Fiji because of the extreme weather conditions which bring a heightened likelihood of natural disasters like flooding and wind damage.
In addition to that, cyclones are notoriously unpredictable, making planning around the weather during this season hazardous at best.
Finally, since tourist infrastructure in Fiji tends to be limited compared to some other destinations, storm damages make access and navigation even harder during these months.
Why hurricane season the worst to visit Fiji?
Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and spectacular coral reefs. But did you know that the best time to visit this paradise destination isn’t during hurricane season? If you’re planning a trip to Fiji in the coming months, here are five reasons why you should reconsider.
☑ Unpredictable Weather Conditions: The most obvious reason why visiting Fiji during hurricane season isn’t wise is because of unpredictable weather conditions. Tropical storms can be dangerous and damaging; they can cause flooding and landslides, disrupt travel plans, and even cause fatalities. Even if a storm doesn’t hit Fiji directly, it can still create hazardous conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and rough seas which can make your stay unpleasant and unsafe.
☑ Rising Costs: With an increase in demand for rooms due to holidaymakers looking to escape the winter blues of their home countries, hotel prices tend to rise significantly during hurricane season. This means that if you do decide to take a chance on a tropical storm-free vacation in Fiji during this time of year, you will likely have to pay more than usual for accommodation.
☑ Limited Air Travel Options: Another downside of visiting Fiji during hurricane season is that air travel options are often limited or disrupted due to inclement weather conditions or canceled flights. Airlines tend to be cautious when flying over areas affected by tropical storms and may choose to cancel flights or reroute them around potential danger zones – meaning your vacation could end up being longer (or shorter) than planned!
☑ Lack of Tourist Attractions: With many tourist attractions closed due to safety concerns during hurricane season, there may not be much else for visitors to do other than relax on the beach or explore local villages – both of which are great activities! That said, these activities alone won’t fill up an entire vacation; if you’re looking for more variety in your getaway then it’s best not to visit during hurricane season as there simply won’t be enough attractions open that cater to tourists’ needs at this time of year.
☑ Lack of Beach Access: Beaches are one of the main draws for visitors when they come to stay in Fiji – but unfortunately these areas become off-limits when there is a risk of strong winds or waves caused by tropical storms passing through the region. In addition, some hotels may close their beach access points altogether as an extra precautionary measure against potential storm damage – so bear this in mind before booking your stay!
What should you avoid in Fiji during hurricane season?
As a South Pacific nation, Fiji is no stranger to tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricanes can cause destruction with their powerful winds, heavy rain, and flooding. For those planning a visit to Fiji during hurricane season, it’s important to know what to avoid in order to stay safe. Here are five explanations of what you should avoid in Fiji during hurricane season.
↣ Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Fiji is an archipelago made up of more than 300 islands. Many of its islands are low-lying, so they’re particularly vulnerable to flooding caused by heavy rains brought by hurricanes. If you’re visiting Fiji during hurricane season, it’s best to avoid staying in or around any low-lying areas as these can be prone to flash flooding.
↣ Avoid Beaches and Coastal Areas: Beaches and coastal areas are also vulnerable when a hurricane strikes due to the high winds and storm surge that accompany them. If you’re visiting during hurricane season, it’s best to avoid spending time at beaches or along the coast as these areas can be dangerous during a storm. It’s also important to remember that even after a storm has passed, beaches may still be dangerous due to debris washed up on shore or strong currents created by the storm surge.
↣ Avoid Boating Activities: Boating activities such as sailing or fishing should also be avoided during hurricane season as boats can easily capsize in high winds and rough seas created by a storm. Even if the weather seems calm before a storm approaches, it’s best not to take chances with high seas and strong winds that could appear suddenly with little warning.
↣ Avoid Outdoors Activities: Outdoor activities such as hiking or camping should also be avoided during hurricane season as you could find yourself stuck outdoors when a storm hits without adequate shelter from the wind and rain. Additionally, strong winds can cause trees or other objects (such as power lines) to fall unexpectedly which could pose a hazard for those outdoors at the time of the storm.
↣ Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Finally, it’s best not to travel unnecessarily while visiting Fiji during hurricane season unless absolutely necessary as roads may become impassable due to flooding or blocked due fallen trees or debris from the storm itself. Additionally, flights may be cancelled due inclement weather conditions making it difficult (or impossible) for travelers who have booked tickets in advance but cannot make their flight due to bad weather conditions at the airport itself–so bear this in mind if booking travel tickets prior your arrival date.
Conclusion
Visiting Fiji during hurricane season can be a difficult experience it can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds that can disrupt everyday life.
However, hurricane season does not typically last long, and the rest of the year provides potential visitors with plenty of sunshine and nice beaches.
Although hurricane season might be the worst time to visit Fiji, tourists have many other opportunities throughout the year to enjoy everything it has to offer.