Port Vila has a tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season, roughly May to October, is cooler, sunnier and less humid, with steady south-east trade winds — the most comfortable time and the busiest. The wet season, roughly November to April, is hot and humid with heavy downpours, and it is also the cyclone season.
That said, this is the tropics: it can rain in any month, and there are long sunny spells in the wet season too. The sea is warm enough to swim all year.
The year at a glance
| Months | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| May – June | Drying out; warm days, pleasant nights | Fewer visitors, green landscapes; land-diving season on Pentecost |
| July – August | Coolest and driest; breezy | Peak season and Australian/NZ school holidays — book early. Independence Day is 30 July |
| September – October | Warming up, still mostly dry | Often the best balance of weather, water clarity and prices |
| November – December | Hotter and more humid; showers build | Start of cyclone season; Christmas holidays are busy |
| January – March | Hottest, wettest; highest cyclone risk | Lowest prices; flexible plans and insurance essential |
| April | Rain easing, still warm | Shoulder month; land diving begins on Pentecost |
Temperatures and the sea
Daytime temperatures in Port Vila are typically around 26–28 °C in the dry season and around 30 °C in the wet, with warm nights; July and August evenings can feel cool enough for a light jumper. The sea ranges from about 24 °C in winter to around 28 °C in summer. Snorkelling visibility is usually best in the dry months, when there is less run-off from rivers.
Cyclone season: what it means in practice
Tropical cyclones can occur from about November to April, most often between January and March. Most weeks pass without one, but Vanuatu is one of the most exposed countries in the Pacific: Cyclone Pam in 2015 and the twin cyclones Judy and Kevin in March 2023 both caused serious damage on Efate.
- Buy travel insurance that covers cyclones and cancellation when you book, not later.
- Choose flexible flights and accommodation where you can.
- Follow warnings from the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department and do what your hotel tells you.
- Expect boat trips and domestic flights to be cancelled in bad weather, sometimes for days.
- After heavy rain, rivers and cascades run brown and some sites close temporarily.
Crowds and cruise ships
Port Vila is never crowded in the way of big resort destinations, but on days when a large ship is in port the Blue Lagoon, Mele Cascades and Hideaway Island are noticeably busier between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. If you are staying in town, go early or late on those days, or head for the outer islands. Ask your hotel which days ships are due.
Events worth planning around
- Land diving on Pentecost — roughly April to June. See our Pentecost guide.
- Independence Day, 30 July — parades, string bands, sport and food stalls in Port Vila, with celebrations through the week.
- School holidays in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia push up prices and fill family resorts, especially in July and over Christmas.
Our pick
For a first visit, May, June, September and October offer the best mix of dry weather, comfortable temperatures and availability. July and August are just as good if you book ahead. From January to March you will find the lowest prices and the lushest scenery — and you should build slack into your plans.
Whenever you come, the tours below run year-round, weather permitting.