The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu

See Also

• Lodging Accommodations in Vanuatu

What is the best time to visit Vanuatu?

The months of May, June, September, and October offer the best weather to visit Vanuatu for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports and fewer crowds. Hotels also provide good deals during these times.

• Optimal Time to Visit Vanuatu: May, June, September, and October.
• Best Time to Visit Vanuatu for Favorable Climate: May through September.
• Best Time for Sightseeing: June through September.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: May, June and September.
• Best Period for Diving & Snorkeling: May to October.
• Best Time for Outdoor Activities: June through September.
• Best Time for Saving Money: Clearly, avoid the peak seasons, which are mid-December to late January (major school holidays in Australia and New Zealand) and July and August (prime time for visitors from Europe).
• Prime Timeframe for Sightseeing: Similar to other island nations in the region, Vanuatu lies just a few degrees south of the equator, resulting in only two major seasons: the `wet` and the `dry`. While local opinions vary on whether the seasons have become less defined, rainfall is certainly most abundant from November through April. During these months, expect frequent and sometimes prolonged downpours along with heightened humidity, which can be moderated by ocean breezes. Also, always be alert for potential cyclones. Therefore, the best time is June through September, disregarding the transitional months on either side of the rainy season, though July and August see many European visitors.
• Best Period for Diving & Snorkeling: The underwater wonders surrounding Vanuatu are legendary among divers. Like other areas of the region, the marine life is abundant and reefs brightly hued, but there are also underwater caves and, uniquely in Melanesia, shipwrecks. The prime time to immerse underwater is from May to October, when rains, waves and winds are less likely to stir up the water, but within tranquil, sheltered and non-tidal lagoons, diving and snorkeling is always good.
• Best Timeframe for Outdoor Expeditions: Of all locations in the region, Vanuatu offers perhaps the widest and most exciting array of pursuits, from kayaking and sailing to trekking through rainforests and climbing mountains – some trails even lead to rumbling volcanic craters. However, wet season weather hinders enjoyment of these activities, with flooding and thick mud potentially blocking roads and trails. Bad conditions may also delay or cancel flights and boat trips, as well as spark cyclone warnings. Therefore, the prime timeframe spans the driest months from June to September. Kayaking round the lagoons remains enjoyable year-round, and sailing conditions are best from May through October.
• Optimal Time Periods for Beaches: Locals refer to the drier season as ‘winter’, though some may find the climate too cool. Water temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year (between 24°C to 27°C), however average daylight hours in the winter see daytime highs of 22°C to 25°C which fall in the later afternoon and evening to around 18°C. Hence, beach visits may be more appealing in the ‘summer’ or wet season, with hotter and more humid days. In the shallow tranquil lagoons, water heat is higher and more alluring year-round, while forest-sheltered freshwater pools can feel decidedly cold at times. Steer clear of beaches during truly adverse weather (notably lightning storms) and consistently use sunscreen, even if conditions are mild or overcast.

Vanuatu Travel Seasons

• Busiest Season (mid-December to end of January & June to August): Two peak times are the lengthy school holidays in Australia and New Zealand, which are relatively close by plane, so prepare well in advance and expect accommodation rates to rise. However, this is also amid the wettest period, with hefty rainfall and possible cyclones likely to impact holiday plans at least in part during this time. From June to August, visitors are drawn by the consistently warm and dry days, with little real chance of a cyclone. In July, more school holidays (two weeks) occur in Australia and New Zealand, while this month, and specifically August, are the main vacation times for European tourists.
• Shoulder Season (May, September, and October): This transitional period is ideal for visiting, avoiding both the rainy season and times of peak tourist crowds from Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Generally, the weather at this time is pleasant with little to no rain expected, and the likelihood of a cyclone is negligible. Accommodation prices are lower and hotels less busy, while planes and boats are nearly never overbooked, delayed or cancelled.
• Low Season (November to mid-December; February to April): Throughout the wet season (November to April), anticipate heavy rains, high humidity and impending cyclones. Outside the peak holiday times (mid-December to the end of January), look out for packaged deals, and negotiate hotel rates because so many rooms will be unoccupied. But remain adaptable: allow time for delayed flights or boat trips being postponed.

Vanuatu Weather by Month

• Weather conditions in Vanuatu during January: Being in the middle of the rainy season and also the height of the school holiday period with large numbers of visitors, heavy rains are very likely to occur on a regular basis and tropical cyclones are always a possibility, so be sure to check local media reports, announcements from hotels and the official government website. Temperatures generally peak during January with averages of around 28°C in Port Vila and as high as 35°C in more tropical northern islands. Annual rainfall averages between 2,000mm (78 inches) on the main Efate Island and 4,000m among the northern islands, so travel plans may easily and quickly be impacted during the rainy season. Maintain flexibility in your itinerary.
• Vanuatu Climate in February: As much rain as January. Downpours are regularly brief but heavy, usually preceded by humidity, and often followed by bright sunshine. Overcast and drizzly days are very uncommon, but tropical cyclones are increasingly possible. While rarely impacting tourist centers, the outer rains and winds of distant cyclones can still force people indoors, and cause the cancellation of flights and boat trips.
• In Vanuatu in March: The rainiest calendar month (370mm/14 inches) in Port Vila, with downpours most frequent; even more precipitation in the northern islands. By now, locals are thoroughly tired of the rainfall, and after 3 to 4 consecutive months, some roads become impassable. Trips on boats and planes to remote islands can still be uncomfortable. Additionally, this timeframe sees cyclonic storms most prevalent: Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam, the second-worst ever in the region, brought extensive damage across Vanuatu during March 2015.
• Vanuatu Weather in April: Rain starts to clearly taper off, signifying the approaching end of the `wet` season, much to the relief of locals. The official cyclone period concludes in late April, but do not get too comfortable. Keep the umbrella and wet weather gear close, and stay alert regarding cyclones.
• Vanuatu Weather in May: Locals sometimes call this period the `winter` as the dry season has officially started by now. Until the end of October, temperatures will drop to around 23°C on average. Cyclones are very unlikely for the next 6 months. Some outer islands may receive leftover rains as the wet season still lingers
• Vanuatu Weather in June: Days are pleasant with minimal humidity continuing. Brief showers can still occur, though heavier downpours are uncommon. Temperatures during the day are mild, yet locals may wear jumpers and jackets as the temperature falls to around 20°C once the sun disappears.
• Vanuatu Weather in July: The ideal conditions persist, with the least rainfall throughout the islands. By now, the entirety of Vanuatu experiences the dry period, with minimal humidity and lower temperatures more suited for rest. But the main islands become busier as large groups travel from Europe, where paradoxically, it could be hotter.
• Vanuatu Weather in August: Numerous locals might even murmur about the ‘cool’ temperatures, particularly during the late evenings and nights – although European tourists are happily absorbing the sun. Ocean temperatures reduce a little (to about 24°C), but the sea remains very swimable and the lagoons rarely become cooler. The dry days persist; August contends with July as the months with the least rain across all islands.
• Vanuatu Weather in September: The climate during this month continues with dry, mild, and occasionally cool days persisting across the islands. In addition to the ideal conditions, the high season has concluded, leading accommodations to become less crowded, transportation offerings like planes and boats to be less packed, and pricing to start decreasing.
• Vanuatu Weather in October: As the dry season gradually comes to a close and the impending wetter months draw near, October weather can be hard to accurately predict. More rain may occur as the month progresses, but it likely won’t significantly impact travel. Locals begin to feel more uneasy as cyclones become a higher possibility over the next 6 months. Hotels see fewer guests and sailboats set course elsewhere.
• Vanuatu Weather in November: The start of the rainy period known locally as ‘summer’, lasting until April. Temperatures begin rising slightly (in Celsius) in Port Vila. Ocean breezes may offset the increased humidity – less so in northern tropical islands. Plus, this marks the official cyclone season, so staying alert is important.
• Weather in Vanuatu in December: The commencement of the wettest portion of the year, with practically double the rainfall of November. Downpours become heavier, while the mountainous terrain on some islands can also impact local weather patterns. Be alert for cyclones over the following months, and don’t be surprised if strong rains, winds and waves affect outdoor activities and travel plans.

Vanuatu Holidays, Events and Festivals

Vanuatu Events in January

• New Year’s Day – celebrated by everyone as a public holiday. Particularly appreciative are those recovering from the previous night’s festivities.
• St Paul’s Day (25th) – one of several Saint’s Days across this religious country. This day is celebrated on Mota Lava Island in the far northern Banks Islands.

Vanuatu Events in February

• This event pays tribute to a singular religious leader. (15th) – commemorates the strange and charismatic preacher who introduced various cult-like traditions on Tanna Island.
• Father Walter Lini Day (21st) – public holiday commemorating the passing of Vanuatu’s inaugural Prime Minister.

Vanuatu Events in March

• Custom Chiefs’ Day (5th) – a public holiday that serves to remind ordinary people throughout the islands regarding the importance of tribal leaders.”
• Easter (dates in March/April vary, changeable) – celebrated with passion across all the islands. Easter Sunday is the ideal time to visit a church, while numerous shops and restaurants are closed for 4 days, sometimes for the entire Holy Week. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays.

Vanuatu Events in April

• Yam Harvest Day (1st) – Tanna Island expresses gratitude for the initial crop of the indispensable vegetable: yam (similar to a sweet potato).
• Traditional Land Diving (weekends throughout April, May, and June) – customary version of bungee-jumping called ‘nagol’. Jumpers clamber up rickety 20m-high wooden towers, and plunge to the earth with vines wrapped around their ankles. For watching, not participating, on Pentecost Island.
• Anzac Day (25th) – commemorated in Australia and New Zealand as a reminder of military involvements and sacrifices. Dawn services also held in Port Vila.

Vanuatu Events in May

• Vanuatu celebrates Labour Day on May 1st, which is a public holiday occasionally falling on a Monday.
• Ascension Day (date varies) – public holiday falling on the fortieth day after Easter Sunday.
• Vanuatu Open Water Swim (the date varies) – part of a series of swimming contests throughout the islands. This specific contest involves swimming 3 km long in the harbor of Port Vila.
• Sand Drawing Festival (changeable) – honors an ancient and unique tradition, once both an art and language, on Malekula Island.

Vanuatu Events in June

• Vanuatu Marlin Classic Fishing Tournament (usually early June) – Serious competition for local and international anglers. Held throughout the islands for about one week.
• Highlights: A snowmobile drive viewing the stunning Lyngen Alps; warm gear supplied; a hot lunch, hot drinks, and snacks; transportation to and from Tromso.
• Shefa Day (18th) – public holiday in the Shefa province, which incorporates Efate, the main island.
• Celebrated globally as World Music Day, Fête de la Musique (21st) – with street performances mainly taking place in Port Vila.

Vanuatu Events in July

Pay for your trip as you board the vessel: tap your pre-loaded ORCA card on the sensor, place exact cash fare in the farebox, or show a ticket purchased from a ferry dock vending machine. The vending machine accepts debit and credit cards.

• Yam & Magic Festival (changeable) – dance, magic, music and traditions, all centered around the valuable yam, for which the island of Ambrym is named.

Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Museum – Reviews.

• Children’s Day (24th) – public holiday.

*If you use a Sony camera, I’d suggest the Sony 14 mm f/1.8 GM instead for the reasons described below .

• Maskelyne Canoe Race & Arts Festival (variable dates, late July) – Over two days on the Maskelyne Islands near Malekula, traditional dances, canoe races and kava drinking (a potent alcoholic beverage produced from the kava plant root) feature prominently.
• Luganville Traditional Kenu Festival (variable dates) – A relatively new event celebrating outrigger canoe traditions. Runs over 3 days on Espiritu Santo Island.
• Independence Day (30th) – public holiday commemorating when Vanuatu gained autonomy in 1980 from its dual colonial rulers, Britain and France.
• Vanuatu Round Island Relay – A popular annual running race circling the whole of Efate Island in Vanuatu, starting and ending in the capital Port Vila. It often coincides with the country`s Independence Day celebrations.

Vanuatu Events in August

• Lamap Art Festival (early August) – 2 days of painting, dancing, music, and ‘pig-trading’ at Lamap in southern Malekula.
• Assumption Day (15th) – public holiday will be observed .
• Lakona Bay Festival (dates subject to change, typically late August) – Artisanship demonstrations along with musical and gastronomic performances and dancing taking place at Lakona Bay on the island of Gaua in the Banks Islands group.
• Nalint Big Nambas Cultural Art Festival (25th) – widespread celebration of traditional practices and tribal customs on Malekula island.
• Return to My Roots Festival (late August) – on Ambrym Island, with 3 days of magic, melodies and moves.
• Nalawan Festival (date varies) – A long-established ritual meant to appease the gods while hoping for a bountiful harvest. Pigs are sacrificed, and traditional weaving and sand art are part of the activities. Takes place over 2 days on Malekua Island.
• Luganville Day (date varies) – anniversary of the founding of Luganville on Espiritu Santo Island, with pageants, musical performances, and dancing.

Vanuatu Events in September

• Vanuatu Golf Open Tournament (subject to change, late August or early September) – at the course near Port Vila.
• Vanua Lava Arts Festival (changeable, late August and early September) – 4 days of fire-making displays, magic shows, cultural dancing, and canoe races on Vanua Lava Island in the remote Banks Islands.
• Penama Day (16th) – public holiday in the Penama province.
• Sanma Day (23rd) – public holiday in the Sanma Province, which is generally Espiritu Santo Island.
• Twin Waterfall Festival (variable) – poems, music, and canoe races. Popular for the gorgeous natural setting on Vanua Lava Island located in the Banks Island group.
• Colourfest (late September) – a new annual event featuring local and international dance and music performances at Le Life Resort on the eastern side of Efate Island.

Vanuatu Events in October

• Torba Day (2nd) – public holiday in the Torba province, which involves the remote Banks and Torres Islands.
• Constitution Day (5th) – public vacation commemorating the signing of Vanuatu’s constitution in 1979.
• Tafea Day (8th) – a public holiday in the Tafea province, including Tanna Island, features the noteworthy Tanna Island Fire Music Festival.
• Malampa Day (10th) – public holiday in Malampa province, which incorporates Malekula and Ambrym Islands.
• Port Vila Rodeo (schedule varies) – horse riding, games, eating, and drinking take place in the capital city.
• For more on cuisine and dining spots with children check out Traveling with Youngsters: Eating in Japan.

Vanuatu Events in November

• All Saints Day (1st) – celebrated with enthusiasm on Vanua Lava in the Banks Islands.
• St Andrew’s Day Festival (the date varies) – on Mota and Mota Lava in the Banks Islands, with cultural shows like dancing, cooking and fishing.
• The Vanuatu DJ Festival (25th) focuses heavily on music rhythm. It`s held in Port Vila.
• Unity Day (29th) – public holiday meant to inspire goodwill and accord between the diverse tribes, including parades, music, and dancing across the islands.

Vanuatu Events in December

• Christmas in the Park (variable) – Weeklong family-focused event featuring parades, music, shopping, and cuisine in Port Vila.
• Christmas Day (25th) – celebrated extensively across the islands. It is a public holiday, with most retailers and eateries closed for several days.
• Boxing Day (26th) – Yuletide celebrations continue on this public holiday.
• St John’s Day (27th) – religious and cultural event on Mota Lava in the Banks Islands.
• New Year’s Eve (31st) – imbibing, eating, dancing and singing, most boisterously in Port Vila.