Bora Bora is warm every month, so packing is mostly about the lagoon. You will spend your days in and on the water, walking over coral, and your evenings at resort dinners. Pack reef shoes, sun protection and one smart-casual outfit.
Bora Bora weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F |
| Low | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 11 | 11 | 18 |
Season by season
Dry season
May–AugustThe calmest, driest stretch. Highs are 29–30°C (84–86°F) and lows 24–26°C (75–79°F), with only 6 rain days in July and 8 in June. Trade winds pick up, which keeps it comfortable but can roughen the outer lagoon. Pack swimwear, a rash guard, a light layer for windy boat rides and plenty of sun protection.
Wet season
November–AprilHotter and more humid, with highs of 30–31°C (86–88°F) and lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F). December is the wettest month at 18 rain days, and March has 16. Rain can be heavy for an hour or two, then clear. Pack breathable clothes, insect repellent and a dry bag. Cyclones are uncommon this far east but possible, so check forecasts.
What to bring to Bora Bora
0 of 25 packedBora Bora rooms may have Type E sockets at 220V, so an adapter saves you if US plugs do not fit.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
December averages 18 rain days, and a waterproof cube keeps clothes and electronics dry on boat transfers.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Light clogs work on docks, resort paths and wet boat decks.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
With 31°C (88°F) highs, a large insulated bottle keeps water cold on long lagoon days.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes come out in the humid wet season, and picaridin lotion holds up in the heat.
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel PillowSleep & Comfort
The flight to French Polynesia is long from almost anywhere, so a supportive pillow helps.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Outer lagoon boat trips can get bumpy when the trade winds blow.
Clothing
- Swimsuits · 3
- Rash guard · 1Long days in the lagoon
- Beach cover-ups · 2Cover up in Vaitape and churches
- Smart-casual dinner outfit · 2Most resorts expect it at dinner
- Light layer for boat rides · 1Trade winds pick up May–August
- Light rain jacket · 1Sep–Apr showers, 18 rain days in December
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Reef shoes · 1 pairCoral, rock and stonefish on the lagoon floor
- Sandals · 1 pair
- Light sneakers · 1 pairFor Mount Pahia or Vaitape
Gear
- Snorkel mask · 1
- Polarized sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen · 1
- After-sun lotion · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Some CFP francsCash helps in Vaitape
Tech
- Phone and charger
- Waterproof phone pouch · 1Lagoon tours
Shoulder months (September–October)
Still warm at 29°C (84°F) highs, but September averages 16 rain days and October 11. Showers tend to pass quickly. Bring a light rain jacket and a waterproof bag for your phone on lagoon tours.
What shoes should you pack for Bora Bora?
Reef shoes first. The lagoon floor has coral, rock and the odd stonefish, and reef shoes let you wade safely. Add sandals for the resort and one pair of light sneakers if you plan to hike Mount Pahia or explore Vaitape. Heels are rarely needed.
What do people wear in Bora Bora?
Resort casual. By day it is swimwear, cover-ups and shorts. At dinner, most resorts expect smart-casual: a collared shirt or linen shirt and long shorts or trousers for men, a sundress for women. Cover up when you leave the beach for Vaitape, the main village, and in churches.
Do you need reef shoes for the Bora Bora lagoon?
Yes, if you plan to wade or snorkel from shore. Coral cuts heal slowly in warm water, and stonefish hide on the bottom. Do not stand on live coral. A reef-safe mineral sunscreen is also a good idea, since you will be in the lagoon most of the day.
What plugs does Bora Bora use?
French Polynesia uses Type A/B and Type E sockets, mostly at 220V; many resorts have both kinds. US plugs often fit, but bring an adapter to be safe. Check that hair tools are dual voltage. The local currency is the CFP franc (XPF); cards work at resorts, but carry some cash for Vaitape.
Tours and things to do in Bora Bora
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Bora Bora.
What should you leave at home for Bora Bora?
Leave heavy clothes, formal suits and more than one pair of dress shoes. Skip big beach towels; resorts provide them. Do not bring drones without checking local rules and your resort's policy first. Leave valuables you would not take on a boat.
Packing for Bora Bora: questions people ask
What should I wear in Bora Bora in December?
Light, breathable clothes and a rain layer. December averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 25°C (77°F) low and 18 rain days.
When is the best weather in Bora Bora?
May to August is driest. July averages 6 rain days and highs of 29°C (84°F).
Is there a dress code at Bora Bora resorts?
Smart-casual at dinner in most resort restaurants. Pack a collared or linen shirt, long shorts or trousers, or a sundress.
What currency does Bora Bora use?
The CFP franc (XPF). Cards are widely accepted at resorts; bring some cash for small shops in Vaitape.
Do US plugs work in Bora Bora?
Often, since many resorts have Type A/B sockets, but some rooms only have Type E at 220V. Bring an adapter.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.