Best time to visit Vanuatu
The best time to visit the central and southern islands of Vanuatu, including Efate, is during the dry season from June through October.
For the northern islands, including Espiritu Santo and Malakula, the best time is from July through September.
For hot-weather activities visit from late-March to early-June, and from mid-October to mid-January.
Vanuatu weather
Vanuatu experiences a tropical climate, influenced by the trade winds, with a hot, humid and wet season from December to April, a cool and drier season from May to October.
You can expect rainfall anytime in Vanuatu.
Here are the average recorded temperatures for capital, Port Vila, located on the central island of Efate.
What is the best month to visit Vanuatu?
July, August, September and October are the best months to visit Vanuatu – the climate is pleasant with warm sunny weather, mainly clear blue skies and rainfall is at its lowest.
However, the months of May, June and November are also good being warmer, but with the potential of more rainfall in early-May and late-November.
Which is the hottest month in Vanuatu?
The hottest month in Port Vila is usually February, with an average high of 31°C (87°F) with high heat and humidity, and a low of 22°C (71°F).
The hot season lasts from early-December to early-April, with an average daily high temperature above 29°C (84°F).
However on the warmest days, the temperature may climb above 32°C (89°F).
Which is the coldest month in Vanuatu?
August is usually the coldest month in Port Vila, with an average high temperature of 26°C (78°F) and an average low temperature of 17°C (62°F).
The cool season lasts from mid-June to mid-September, with an average daily high temperature below 26°C (78°F).
When is it sunniest in Vanuatu?
The sunniest time of year in Port Vila is normally October, with more than eight hours of sunshine per day; that's an average of around 61% of daylight hours.
When is the sea warmest in Vanuatu?
The sea is usually at its warmest in Vanuatu in February when the water temperature averages a high of 29°C (84°F), which is very pleasant for swimming.
The water is pleasant for swimming year-round in Vanuatu.
Which month has the most rain in Vanuatu?
March is usually the wettest month in Port Vila, Vanuatu with 224mm (9in) of rainfall on average. There are usually no less than 16 days in March with some rain.
The wet season lasts from late-November through April, with a greater than 34% chance of a given day being a wet day.
Rain falls throughout the year in Vanuatu. The drier season lasts from May to late-November. August is usually the driest month in Vanuatu.
Which is the windiest month in Vanuatu?
August is the windiest month in Port Vila, Vanuatu, with an average hourly wind speed of 25 kilometres per hour (13 knots; 15mph).
The windier part of the year lasts from mid-April to mid-November, with average wind speeds of more than 22 kilometres per hour (11 knots; 13mph).
The less windy time of year lasts from mid-November to mid-April. February is the calmest month of the year, with an average hourly wind speed of 20 kilometres per hour (10 knots; 12mph).
The predominant average wind direction in Vanuatu is from the east throughout the year.
What's the likelihood of a storm in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is susceptible to tropical cyclones from January through March, with a 4.7% likelihood of a tropical storm in Vanuatu during the month of January.
Vanuatu Weather Averages
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Average daily max (°C) | |||||||||||
| 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Average daily min (°C) | |||||||||||
| 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 |
| Average daily sunshine (hrs) | |||||||||||
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Average daily daylight (hrs) | |||||||||||
| 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| Comfort level | |||||||||||
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| Average relative humidity (%) | |||||||||||
| 85 | 85 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 |
| UV Index (max) | |||||||||||
| 11+ | 11+ | 11+ | 11 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 11+ | 11+ | 11+ |
| Average days of rainfall (≥1mm) | |||||||||||
| 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
| Average monthly rainfall (mm) | |||||||||||
| 170 | 196 | 224 | 163 | 100 | 90 | 57 | 44 | 46 | 62 | 88 | 127 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | |||||||||||
| 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Average sea temperature (°C) | |||||||||||
| 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu | |||||||||||
Note: Meteorological data for Vanuatu is based on weather statistics gathered for the 30-year period 1991 to 2020, and is sourced from Vanuatu Meteorology at the closest weather station, Bauerfield International Airport (VLI), located 4km (3mi) north of Port Vila. Additional climate data is sourced from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Advice on the best time to visit a particular destination is based on average local weather statistics, when the weather conditions are generally better than at other times of the year. We consider high and low temperatures, risk of rain (and thunderstorms, etc.), amount of sunshine and sea temperature. For general outdoor activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 18°C (64°F) and 27°C (80°F); and for hot-weather activities we favour clear, rainless days with a temperature range between 24°C (75°F) and 32°C (89°F). Often, the best times to visit correspond to high season and therefore involve higher prices.
Latest update: Best time to visit Vanuatu: 17 July, 2023
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided as is, without any assurances as to its accuracy or suitability for any purpose. Weather data and conditions at any given location and time are unpredictable and variable. We assume no responsibility and can not be held legally responsible for any decisions made on the basis of the information presented on this site.
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