Vanuatu Weather in August

August marks the coolest and windiest point of the year in Vanuatu, but the islands remain comfortably warm. Average daytime highs hover around 26°C (79°F), with evenings dropping to a pleasant 19°C (66°F).

Humidity is relatively low for the tropics, and the consistent ocean breeze keeps the air feeling fresh and comfortable.

Sea Temperature in August

Sea temperatures are at their lowest for the year in Vanuatu, but around 25°C (77°F), the water remains ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in the lagoons or along the beaches.

Winter in Vanuatu still brings plenty of daylight and blue skies. August enjoys an average of 12 hours of daylight per day, with around 7 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. It's an ideal time to explore beaches, hike scenic trails, or enjoy a swim in the warm Pacific waters.

UV Levels During August

UV levels remain very high in August, averaging around 9 on the UV index at midday. Be sure to apply high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen and wear protective clothing while enjoying outdoor activities.

Use a high-SPF, reef-safe option and reapply regularly, especially if you're in and out of the water, see The Best Sunscreens for Vanuatu + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During August

In August, Vanuatu experiences about 12 hours of daylight each day.

• Sunrise: Around 6:16 am at the start of the month, shifting earlier to 5:59 am by the end
• Sunset: Around 5:40 pm early in the month, extending slightly to 5:45 pm later on

Although August falls during the dry season in Vanuatu, occasional rain showers can still occur. These are usually short-lived and often happen overnight, leaving most days warm, sunny and ideal for outdoor activities.

Vanuatu typically receives around 107 mm (4.2 in) of rainfall in August, spread across approximately 15 days, making it one of the drier months of the year.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November LINK#TT090 to April, so August falls well outside this period. This makes it one of the safest months to visit Vanuatu in terms of tropical storms, with a very low risk of cyclones or severe weather affecting your trip.

Other months that have a low risk of tropical storms in Vanuatu include June, July and September. Find out more about tropical storms in our guide, Cyclone Safety in Vanuatu.

August is an excellent time to explore Vanuatu, with drier days, mild temperatures, and clear skies making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

Efate LINK#TT059, the main island, is a great starting point. Here, you can explore Port Vila’s vibrant markets, enjoy coastal walks, and hike through lush jungle trails. Don’t miss Mele Cascades, where a short trek leads to a stunning waterfall and natural swimming pools, perfect for the pleasantly cool weather.

For those seeking more seclusion, the outer islands, such as Tanna LINK#D071 and Espiritu Santo LINK#D053, offer untouched beaches, rich coral reefs, and tranquil villages. On Espiritu Santo, Champagne Beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in the South Pacific, ideal for a relaxing day by the turquoise waters.

Whether you stick to the main island or venture further afield, Vanuatu in August delivers breathtaking natural scenery, clear skies, and a laid-back island atmosphere.

Learn more about where to go in The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu LINK#TT022.

Be prepared for Vanuatu in August by packing these few seasonal essentials:

• Light clothing layers for the day (preferably linen, bamboo or merino so it is super light - we like the sustainable bamboo clothing of Moso Morrow)
• Light long-sleeved tops (to cover from sun and mosquitoes)
• Light pants/trousers/skirt (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages, church services or to protect from mosquitoes when hiking, for example)
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Rash vest (we like the UV-protecting Sharkskin rashies)
• Closed walking shoes
• Flip-flops/jandals/sandals
• Insect repellent
• High-factor sunscreen (that’s reef-safe and water-resistant).

Get more ideas on what to pack with our guide, What to Pack for Vanuatu: Full Vanuatu Packing List.