Suva in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Suva

29°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

246 mm (9.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Rainfall patterns are predictable - morning sun followed by 2-3 hour afternoon showers means you can plan outdoor activities for 8am-1pm daily
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than peak season, meaning shorter queues at Suva Municipal Market and easier access to popular waterfront restaurants
Hotel rates drop by 25-35% compared to July-August peak season, with many properties offering November-specific packages including cultural center access
Mango season begins in November - local varieties like Totodro and Vudi reach peak ripeness, available at roadside stalls for FJ$2-4 per kg (2.2 lbs)

Considerations

High humidity (70%) makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - you'll need 2-3 clothing changes daily and waterproof storage for electronics
Afternoon thunderstorms from 2-5pm can disrupt island hopping plans, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup activities
Cyclone season begins in November, though major storms are rare this early - monitor weather forecasts and consider travel insurance with weather coverage

Best Activities in November

Coral Coast Cultural Village Tours

November's lower tourist numbers mean authentic interactions with traditional Fijian communities along the Coral Coast. Morning departure (8am) avoids afternoon rains and allows participation in traditional lovo (earth oven) preparations. Villages are more welcoming during shoulder season, with extended time for kava ceremonies and handicraft demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through cultural tourism operators. Tours typically cost FJ$180-250 (US$80-110) including transport from Suva, traditional lunch, and village levy. Look for operators certified by Tourism Fiji. See current village tour options in booking section below.

Suva Peninsula Rainforest Hiking

Colo-i-Suva Forest Park's trails are perfect in November - recent rains create spectacular waterfalls while morning temperatures (23-26°C/73-79°F) make the 6km (3.7 mile) loop trail comfortable. Bird activity peaks during breeding season with easier sightings of Fiji Parrotfinch and Orange Dove. Trails are well-maintained but muddy after rains.

Booking Tip: Self-guided entry FJ$5 (US$2.20) or guided tours FJ$45-65 (US$20-30) for 3-4 hours. Start by 8am to complete before afternoon rains. Waterproof hiking boots essential. Book guided options through Suva visitor center or see current hiking tour options below.

Beqa Lagoon Shark Diving

November offers peak underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98ft) before summer plankton blooms. Bull shark feeding dives are less crowded than peak season, with better positioning for photography. Water temperature reaches comfortable 26-27°C (79-81°F). Weather windows between morning and afternoon storms provide ideal conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as dive operators run fewer boats in shoulder season. Two-dive packages typically FJ$220-280 (US$95-125) including gear. PADI Open Water minimum required. Weather-dependent - operators offer rescheduling. Check current diving options in booking section.

Suva Municipal Market Food Walking Tours

November brings seasonal produce like breadfruit, plantains, and early mangoes. Morning market tours (7-10am) avoid afternoon heat and catch vendors at their most energetic. Lower tourist numbers mean more vendor interaction and better prices for tropical fruits. Traditional Indo-Fijian sweets are freshly made for Diwali season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration free, but food walking tours with cultural context cost FJ$85-120 (US$40-55) for 3 hours including tastings. Book through local cultural guides - avoid unlicensed street touts. See current food tour options below.

Mamanuca Islands Day Trips

November offers excellent snorkeling conditions with 25m+ (82ft) visibility before cyclone season. Island hopping by catamaran avoids afternoon mainland storms while catching trade wind patterns for smooth sailing. Resort day passes are 20-30% cheaper than peak season at FJ$120-180 (US$55-80).

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead as boat schedules reduce in shoulder season. Full day trips typically FJ$180-250 (US$80-110) including snorkel gear, lunch, and island transfers. Departure usually 8:30am returning 5pm. Weather-dependent with flexible rebooking. See current island tour options below.

Traditional Kava Bar Cultural Experiences

November evenings (after 6pm rains end) are perfect for authentic kava sessions in Suva's traditional bars. Locals are more welcoming to visitors during quieter tourist periods. Temperature drops to comfortable 25°C (77°F) by evening, ideal for sitting cross-legged during ceremonies. Cultural storytelling sessions extend longer with smaller groups.

Booking Tip: Cultural kava experiences through certified guides cost FJ$65-95 (US$30-45) for 2-3 hours including transport and cultural briefing. Individual Bar visits cost FJ$10-20 (US$5-10) per bowl. Evening timing essential - start after 6:30pm. Book cultural experiences through visitor centers.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Hibiscus Festival

Suva's largest cultural celebration featuring traditional Fijian dance competitions, handicraft exhibitions, and food stalls throughout Albert Park. Local dance groups compete in meke (traditional dance) categories with elaborate costumes and authentic music. Street food vendors offer seasonal specialties including kokoda variations and tropical fruit displays.

Mid November

Diwali Celebrations

Fiji's significant Indo-Fijian community celebrates with temple light displays, traditional sweet distributions, and cultural performances. Suva's Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple becomes a focal point with elaborate decorations. Local families often welcome respectful visitors to share traditional mithai (sweets) and observe prayer ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours after washing

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - afternoon storms produce heavy downpours with 50+ mm/hour intensity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index 8 causes burns within 15 minutes, and regular reapplication needed after swimming

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - daily afternoon showers last 2-3 hours but are warm at 25°C (77°F)

Waterproof hiking boots - forest trails become muddy and slippery, regular sneakers inadequate for Colo-i-Suva trails

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - post-rain mosquito activity peaks in evenings, especially near mangrove areas

Multiple swimwear sets - constant humidity means wet clothes take 8-12 hours to dry even with hotel air conditioning

Lightweight long sleeves for evenings - protection against mosquitoes and air-conditioned restaurants, plus cultural respect for village visits

Waterproof daypack - essential for protecting electronics and documents during unexpected downpours

Flip-flops or water shoes - frequent transitions between wet/dry areas, plus coral protection for snorkeling

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on Suva's windward side (Domain/Tamavua areas) - they cool down 2-3°C (4-5°F) faster after afternoon rains compared to central Suva

Schedule island trips for Tuesday-Thursday - weekend boats are more crowded with locals, and Monday departures often delayed by weekend weather impacts

Eat at Indo-Fijian restaurants between 11:30am-1:30pm for fresh rotis made that morning - afternoon humidity affects bread quality and many places run out

Exchange money at Suva banks (ANZ, Westpac) rather than hotel exchanges - rates are 3-5% better and they stock more FJ$5 notes needed for market purchases and bus fares

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - afternoon thunderstorms are nearly inevitable and can last until 5:30pm, disrupting hiking and snorkeling plans

Bringing only one pair of walking shoes - constant moisture from humidity and rain requires alternating footwear to prevent fungal infections

Underestimating air conditioning costs - hotels charge FJ$15-25 daily for AC usage, which becomes essential with 70% humidity levels