The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of over 170 islands in the South Pacific. Tonga is one of the ultimate places to visit if you want to go snorkeling, see amazing marine life, and explore Polynesian landmarks. But when is the best time to go? If I wanted to make this short and sweet, I would say that it’s ALWAYS a good time to visit Tonga! But, you’re probably looking for a little more information than that, right? So, here’s a break-down of the best times to travel to Tonga depending on what you want to get out of your trip!

If You Want to Save Money - If you want to see all that Tonga has to offer, while staying on a budget, it would be a good idea to avoid the summer months, from June to August. Many travellers from North America and Europe flock to the South Pacific for some time in paradise, so prices reach an all-time high. It would also be a good idea to skip the Australian and New Zealand holidays, which are in January. Visiting Tonga outside of these peak travel seasons will allow you to maximize your dollar, and make the most of your adventure!

If You Want to Go Diving or Snorkeling - Tonga has an abundance of marine life that you can view in a unique way while on a diving or snorkeling expedition! June to October is the best time for snorkeling, as there will be less rain and better visibility. On a diving or snorkeling trip during these months, you might see southern humpback whales (check out our blog on swimming with humpback whales!), turtles, marlin fish, sharks (don’t worry, these ones are harmless!), manta rays, coral reefs, and underwater caves! However, we ask all visitors to keep their distance while viewing marine life for their safety, and yours.

If You Want to Go Surfing or Kayaking - If you’re wanting to try learning to surf, or want to spend an early morning going out on the kayaks, there actually isn’t a best time for these outdoor activities in Tonga! Surfing and kayaking are awesome year-round here! Here’s an extra hint: the best spot for surfing is Ha’atafu, a thin peninsula along the coast of the main island of Tongatapu!

The Best Time for Good Weather - This is difficult to decide. Like many countries that lie along the equator, there are two main seasons in Tonga: the ‘wet’ season (November-April), and the ‘dry’ season (May-October). If you would like hotter temperatures, you should visit during the wet season, but there’s a much higher chance of rain, and cyclones are a possibility during this time of year. If you’re wanting calmer waves on the water for kayaking, diving, or snorkeling, it’s best to go in the dry season, but the temperatures are much cooler (it can drop to about 60.8°F, or 16°C). Click here for temperatures and precipitation levels on Tonga throughout the year.

If You Want to Go Sailing or Kite-boarding - Both of these outdoor activities require wind, but at a steady pace. If you want to try your hand at kite-boarding or sailing while in Tonga, it's best to visit from May to October, when the wind isn’t going to get out of control while you’re on the water.

If You’re Wanting to Go Sightseeing - The Kingdom of Tonga is not as big of a tourist destination as its neighbors of Fiji or New Caledonia. But even though not many people visit, it’s full of beauty, wonder, and Polynesian monuments and landmarks to explore! When it comes to exploring the sights in Tonga, there’s no perfect time. This is because the whole year is great for sightseeing! Some of the top spots you must make a stop at are Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon, the Hufangalupe Natural Land Bridge, and the Ancient Royal Tombs of Lapaha.

If You Want to Attend Festivals - In Tonga, the month of June is the best time to visit if you enjoy attending festivals and events! June 4th is Emancipation Day. This public holiday celebrates the fact that Tonga was never colonized, unlike many other South Pacific nations. Towards the end of June, and finishing on July 4th, is the Heilala Festival, the most important and biggest celebration of the year! Celebrating the birthday of King Tupou VI, this festival has cultural dancing, delicious traditional food, a beauty pageant, and fire-dancing competitions! There’s also the week-long Ha’apai Tourism Festival, which celebrates the cuisine, beauty, and culture of the Ha’apai Islands! June in Tonga is a time of fun and culture!

Now that you’ve read through this entire article, you can understand why I say that it’s always a perfect time to visit Tonga. If you have narrowed down your ideal time to visit this Polynesian paradise, then it’s time to start planning! On an expedition to Tonga with Acanela, you will have the opportunity to stay traditional Tongan huts along the beach, go snorkeling with humpback whales, try traditional cuisine, and connect with the local culture! Reserve your spot today!

Post written by Demitria Rounis