Weather & Climate
Great all year round
Located in the Tropics, Vanuatu has a year round sub tropical climate – it never gets cold. With two distinct seasons, the hotter months run from November to April and the cooler months from May to October. Winds are usually lighter during the hotter months and the trade winds blow during the cooler months.
On average rainfall is usually higher during the warmer months but this does not mean sunshine hours are less. In fact we often find sunshine hours to be greater in the warmer months as downpours often occur at night and there is less upper atmosphere cloud.
The cyclone season officially runs from 1 November to 30 April. In reality, if a cyclone is to occur at all, it will most likely be in February or March – our peak hot months. Cyclones do not cause a problem unless they are large and come close to the resort. They are easily tracked and forecast.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
That Depends On What You Want To Do.
Relaxing
Great every month of the year.
Sunbaking
We find the warmer months usually offer the best sunbaking – October to May. October to February often provide the most sunny days.
Defrosting
May to October are the best months to come and defrost from the cold Australian and New Zealand winters. Vanuatu has an average daily maximum temperature of 25 to 27 degrees – beautifully balmy.
Humidity
If you like the classical tropical climate of really hot and humid days with afternoon downpours, amazing sunsets, lots of insects, heaps of fruits and all plants flowering then January to April would be your time.
Snorkeling
This can be done every month of the year and our boats allow reefs to be accessed just about in all conditions. For those only wanting to snorkel from the beach the warmer months from November to April are the go – they offer higher tides and generally calmer sea conditions
Hiking/Bike Riding
The cooler months from May to October generally offer the best hiking and biking months. The humidity is gone, the trade winds are blowing and the temperature is ideal for these activities.
Surfing
Waves occur every month of the year but we often find that the first 6 months of the year is better. These months coincide with less trade winds, higher tides and better placed low pressure systems.
Ocean Swimming
Our Ocean water temperatures are beautiful year round, no wetsuit is required. They are cooler from May to September but also can be rougher due to strong trade winds and bigger surf. From October to April the seas are calmer and tides are higher making swimming easier from our beaches. The ocean water gets quite hot in February and March, but still lovely.
Kayaking/Paddle Boarding
This is great all months of the year so long as the trade winds are not blowing too strong. Trade winds tends to be stronger in the cooler months from May to September.
Fishing
Offshore fishing with game boat charters is available year round and the type of fish caught varies with the seasons. The seas are rougher from May to September which makes being offshore less comfortable but the fishing can be good.
Doing Tours
Visiting sites around Efate Island and flying to other islands can be done year round.