Climate Change Overview

Country Summary

This page presents high-level information for Fiji's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications are derived from the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, which divides climates into five main climate groups divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter).  Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of Fiji's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.

Fiji is an Island nation of the Melanesia region of the South Pacific. Fiji consists of 332 islands, around 110 of which are inhabited; the territory also includes a large number of smaller islets. Fiji’s population of around 900,000 people has been experiencing consistent growth despite proportionately high rates of net outmigration. Fiji’s economy is predominantly service-based (71.5% as of 2017) with a notably high dependence on tourism, and receives significant remittance income from workers abroad. As of 2013 the national poverty rate remained high, at 28% of the population. Fiji has extremely high exposure to tropical cyclones. Fijian islands experience the direct or indirect effects of cyclones on an annual basis, including frequent occurrences of multiple strikes in one year. Cyclones usually occur during the November-April wet season, and are less common during El Niño periods. Cyclones frequently result in loss of life and cause significant economic damage, which has hindered economic growth. Also particularly exposed to rising sea levels, floods, and landslides Fiji is one of the most world’s most vulnerable nations to climate change and climate-related disasters.

Key vulnerabilities include its subsistence agriculture sector, its coastal and marine resources, including coral reefs, its freshwater resources, and its land management and uses. In 2017, the Government of Fiji, World Bank Group, and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) completed an extensive assessment of Fiji’s vulnerability to climate change. Among a number of key findings this work identified the need for an investment of $9.3 billion by 2027 (nearly 100% of GDP) to strengthen Fiji’s resilience to climate change and natural hazards.