Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Weather on Yasawas Islands in Late January/Early February

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

Would be very appreciative if somebody can help with what to expect regarding weather conditions on Fiji's Yasawa Islands (Nanuca Lai Lai, Nacula) in late January and early February. Although aware that mentioned period is known as Fiji's rainy season, various web sites and forums point to Yasawas as an island group relatively less affected by rain (predominantly due to their smaller land mass). I would like impartial answers of how often it (usually) rains on Yasawas during mentioned period and how often one has to bear with several consecutive overcast/rainy days? Furthermore, does it rain mostly during the day or most precipitation occurs during late afternoon/night? Visited Fiji's official weather site, but for Yasawas I could not find historical data about average monthly sunshine hours, though humidity rates and precipitation levels were displayed (any hint where I could track historic/recent weather data and 5-7 day forecasts for Yasawas). Average humidity levels at mentioned period are in advance of 80%. Normally, I stand well humidity when at beach or close to sea, but would also like to here how this humidity levels were supported by those not living in built enclosures on Yasawas (eg. sleeping in the tent)? Any problems with mosquitoes? What about (average) winds and their prevalence during those times? Do they negatively affect snorkelling and scuba diving underwater visibility? Is sand on the beaches covered by sea grass? In case of the extremes (gales and cyclones) for how many days in the past the Yasawa Flier was most out of service? Have the resorts on Yasawas provided relevant, reliable and timely weather and travel option info in those cases? Are there, besides the Yasawa Flier and Turtle Airwas (from Savuti Point on Nacula), other options/means to reach Denarau/Nadi in case of bad weather? Thanks a lot for any feedback.