Bora Bora in January (2027): Weather, Crowds & What to Do
At a glance — Bora Bora in January: Avg high ~30°C, lows ~24°C | Rain ~306mm, ~12 rainy days | Sea 27–29°C | Crowds: Low | Prices: Low from mid-January (New Year week stays Peak) | Verdict: the wettest month of the year is also the cheapest once the New Year crowd clears out — but only if your dates can bend around the rain.
Is January a good time to visit Bora Bora?
It depends entirely on what you’re optimizing for. January brings the year’s heaviest rainfall — around 306mm across roughly 12 rainy days — but it’s also the emptiest and, from mid-month, the cheapest. If you want the cheapest stays of the year and can live with disrupted plans, January is the trade worth making. If you’re planning a honeymoon you can’t reschedule, pick another month.
January suits flexible budget travelers and photographers chasing the island at its lushest. It does not suit anyone who needs guaranteed boat days — some lagoon excursions will be disrupted.
Weather in Bora Bora in January
| January | |
|---|---|
| Avg high | ~30°C |
| Avg low | ~24°C |
| Rainfall | ~306mm |
| Rainy days | ~12 |
| Sea temp | 27–29°C |
| Sunshine | ~6.8 hrs/day |
Figures: Weather25 dataset (same as the main Bora Bora guide). January is the wettest of the three peak wet-season months — wetter than December (~285mm) and February (~301mm) — and the least sunny, at roughly 6.8 hours a day. Heat and humidity run high, with highs near 30°C and lows near 24°C.
January vs December vs February
| December | January | February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rain | ~285mm, ~12 days | ~306mm, ~12 days | ~301mm, ~11 days |
| Crowds | High | Low | Low |
| Prices | Peak | Low from mid-Jan | Low |
January is the wettest of the three — but once the New Year week passes, it’s also by far the cheapest. December charges peak prices for nearly as much rain.
Crowds and prices in January
January is empty by Bora Bora standards: the holiday crowds leave in the first week, and the island runs quiet for the rest of the month. Prices drop to the year’s lowest tier from mid-January — but the New Year week itself stays at Peak pricing, with holiday demand ignoring the weather entirely. If you’re chasing the deals, arrive after the first week.
Travel insurance is recommended — not for cyclones (that window is February–March), but for wet-season disruption to boat days and inter-island flights.
What to do in Bora Bora in January
Stay in an overwater bungalow while it’s cheapest
January’s rain is what makes the year’s cheapest bungalow rates possible. Entry-level resorts drop furthest — this is the month the overwater-bungalow dream costs least, provided you accept that some days will be grey.
Photograph the island at its lushest
Twelve rainy days keep Bora Bora green in a way the dry season never does. The lagoon-and-mountain contrast photographs best between rain bursts, when the air is clear and the peaks are washed clean.
Take lagoon excursions between the bursts
Boat days happen in January — just not every day, and not always on schedule. Book excursions with flexible rebooking, front-load the must-dos early in your stay, and keep a spa day in reserve for the washouts.
Festivals and events in January
None. Bora Bora’s festival calendar runs on the dry season: Heiva’s competition nights usually fall in the second week of July, and the Liquid Festival lands in December.
What to pack for January
Light rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and swimwear anyway — the sea stays 27–29°C and dry windows are always swimmable.
January FAQs
Is January the wettest month in Bora Bora?
Yes. January averages around 306mm of rain across roughly 12 rainy days — the wettest of the twelve months, and the least sunny at about 6.8 hours a day.
Is January a cheap month to visit Bora Bora?
From mid-January, yes — that’s when pricing bottoms out for the year. The New Year week is the exception: it stays at Peak pricing on holiday demand.
Is January better than December in Bora Bora?
January is wetter (~306mm vs ~285mm) but far cheaper once the holidays end, and much quieter. December wins only if you want the festive atmosphere and resort Christmas programs.
Should I get travel insurance for Bora Bora in January?
Recommended. Not for cyclones — that window is February–March — but for wet-season disruption to boat excursions and flights.
Can you swim in Bora Bora in January?
Yes. The sea holds 27–29°C year-round, and rain arrives in bursts with dry, swimmable windows between them.
Bora Bora in other months: January | December — plus the full Best Time to Visit Bora Bora guide.
