Vanuatu has a wonderful sub-tropical climate that means almost endless sunshine year round. Enjoying mild temperatures and clear blue skies for most of the year, Vanuatu weather is great all year round. In fact, there’s no bad time to visit Vanuatu, however some months are better than others.

Summer is from November to March, the average temperature is 28°C and it can be hot, wet and humid. Winter is from April to September with the temperature averaging 23°C. Sea temperature varies from 22 to 28 degrees making swimming enjoyable all year round.

The warmer months from December to April are also the wettest with good rain in every month. Vanuatu can average anywhere from 2 metres of rainfall annually to 4 metres on the northern islands.

The summer months are part of the tropical cyclone season. The majority of resorts are located in the southern part of Vanuatu where it is less humid, there is less rain and there is less chance of extreme climate conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vanuatu is sub-tropical. Summer, from November to March, averages around 28 degrees Celsius and is hotter, wetter and more humid, with cyclone season roughly December to April. Winter, from April to September, is a little cooler at about 23 degrees, and the sea stays a pleasant 22 to 28 degrees. The north is wetter than the south, so the same month can feel different on Santo than on Tanna.
Domestic flights, boat transfers, volcano treks and exposed snorkel or surf sessions are the first to change when rain, wind or swell builds. Roads on outer islands can become slow after heavy rain. Town days, markets and sheltered swimming are easier to keep. Always leave a buffer before an international departure.
Treat rain as likely, not as a ruined day. Pack a light rain jacket, keep one flexible day in each island, and have a Port Vila indoor option such as the Cultural Centre or a long market lunch. Book volcano and outer-island flights with spare time. The islands are still beautiful in the wet; the mistake is an itinerary with no slack.