February weather in Fiji and which region to visit

Have ten days to 14 days for holidays in February and was originally heading to Samoa/Tonga but it looks like the flights etc may be easier and cheaper to Fiji. Plus I am travelling on my own and it appears that Fiji is more set up for backpacker travel (and I am definitely budget backpacker). So at this stage am leaning towards Fiji. Any coments on this?

1. Weather – its going to rain – but how much… downpours every, all day or does the sun come out at times? I was interested on a post on here which talked about getting sunburnt a lot in January. Hot – how hot??? I have travelled a lot in Asia, don’t mind the heat/humidity too much.

2. LP says that the Mamanuca and Yasawa regions are drier than other areas? Any comments? And which would be better for the backpacking type into laid back and rustic experiences?

3. Of all the places in Fiji, I like the sound of taveuni the best, but LP also says it rains a lot. Could someone confirm this? (ie in probability will it be raining more than the Yasawa?)

4. I’m interested in joining some sea kayaking/rafting/hiking tours but in the case of the at least one outfitter I read about in LP, they only ran over the summer. Do some outfits run activities all year round, even in the wet. (I assume it’s the low season?)

5. will snorkelling still be OK in Feb? I was in Indo last feb and the waters were quite cloudy due to the rains.

Thanks

Less rain in the west, so Mamanucas and Yasawas will get a bit less rain. It often pours for an hour, then is clear for a couple of hours etc. Just go with the flow. It will be hot and it will be humid, the latter is more bothersome than the former.

Snorkeling will still be good, as not much snorkeling on the main island, where the rivers can muddy the snorkeling areas, The small islands don;t have year 'round streams, and there is less runoff, if any.

Hi

I was in Fiji a few years ago now however it still seems like yesterday. I was in the Mamanuca islands and stayed the Beachcomber Island Resort. For the price of your bed you get 3 meals. I included the web site so that you can check it out yourself. http://www.beachcomberfiji.com/Page6.html. I would recommend staying here. If you are going through a travel agent check with them. The Goway brochure if I remember correctly carries Beachcomber.

As for weather It was hot and it only rained once and that was at night. (it was more like standing in a warm shower). The wind picked up once in a while. Most days were really nice.Take sun screen.

If you scuba dive it is a great place go. Lots of under water life.

most places in fiji have 3meals compulsory added into the price. Oarsman Bay lodge is supposed to be fantastic. I stayed at beachcomber too, it was...not bad, just not my cup o tea.

I loved Safe Landing in Yasawas, lots of backpacker places in Yasawas - there's a boat that plies the waters and yu can get on and off -- at least they did 6 years ago. Loved the island of Leleuvia -- simple bures, cheap, not sure if it is still running.

look on fijibudget.com for good ideas of inexpensive accommodation.

Go to Ovalau or Taveuni for the quaintness and history and beauty, but if it rains more than the usual short afternoon downpour, head west, esp nwest. It is much drier and unless there's a big storm system, it's not a problem. The taller and larger land masses(islands) will catch their proportional amount of rain. Narrow short islands can suffer droughts. If you avoid the package tours and choose a couple places on your own, you will have a cheaper and more individual experience. PS- Many Yasawa islands have year-round rivers but they don't affect the corals...it is the modern pollution that is spoiling some areas. PSS- rainbaths are a fun Fiji tradition; it's the coldest thing around and feels great for 10 minutes but after too long you will really get cold!