VANUATU TRAVEL GUIDE
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometres. The islands offer scuba diving at coral reefs, underwater caverns and wrecks.
The chain of 83 islands reminded Capt Cook of the dark, forbidding, wind buffeted islands off the Scottish coast and he named them New Hebrides. The islands range from towering volcanoes to those covered in dense rainforests to those with wide beaches with deep natural harbours.
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VANUATU QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Port-Vila
- Currency: vatu (VUV)
- Area: 12,200 km²
- Population: 292 680 (2018)
- Language: English, French, creole (known as Bislama or Bichelama) official; plus 100+ local languages
- Religion:Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Roman Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%
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VANUATU PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 21 February, Father Walter Lini Day (Father of Independence)
- 5 March, Custom Chief’s Day
- 24 July, Children’s Day
- 30 July, Independence Day
- 15 August, Assumption
- 5 October, Constitution Day
- 29 November, National Unity Day
- 26 December, Family Day
Also, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Ascension Day.
FESTIVALS IN VANUATU
BEST TIME TO VISIT VANUATU
VANUATU WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Vanuatu’s climate varies with latitude, from wet tropical in the northern islands, which receive over 4,000 millimetres (mm) of annual rainfall to the dryer subtropical in the southern extremes of the archipelago, where annual average rainfall measures 1,500 mm. Average temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C, and unlike many of the Pacific island nations, seasonal temperatures in the capital city of Port Vila exhibit high variability with summertime highs exceeding 30°C and minimum temperatures often reaching below 20°C. Seasonal and inter-annual variations in climate are driven by changes associated with El Niño, which affect every aspect of the climate in the Pacific. Cyclones are common during the warm months of November to April, although two recent cyclonic events were experienced outside of the traditional cyclonic season.
VANUATU TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
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DRY
WET
HOT MONTHS:
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN VANUATU
HIKING & CYCLING IN VANUATU
The best time to enjoy outdoor activities in Vanuatu is during the dry season from May to October when temperatures are also a little cooler. During the rainy season, even though showers are generally brief it is much more humid.
BEACH OPTIONS IN VANUATU
The best time to enjoy the beaches of Vanuatu is during the dry season from May to October when temperatures are also a little cooler. During the rainy season showers are generally brief but it is much more humid. The water is always warm enough for swimming.
SURFING IN VANUATU
Although Vanuatu may not be typically associated with surfing, it is gaining a growing reputation among the global surfing community. With excellent conditions almost all year round, there is plenty of potential for surfing in Vanuatu. Surfers willing to travel to the outer islands islands will be rewarded with breaks that offer perfect hollow waves and ideal surfing conditions. The best time to surf here would be between March and December with consistent southern swells.
KITESURF IN VANUATU
Kitesurfing in Vanuatu will make you feel as though you have been taken back in time. The trade winds are most stable and predictable during the months of June, July and August when about half the days should be suitable for kiting. The winds are usually only around 12-15 knots, sometimes more. Make sure to take the tide into consideration as there can be shallow rocks.
For more details on kite surfing in Vanuatu expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN VANUATU
Be aware of possible health risks in
Vanuatu
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
VANUATU TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF VANUATU
WHAT TO PACK FOR VANUATU
WHAT TO EAT IN VANUATU
LGBTQ IN VANUATU
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