Vanuatu Weather in November

November marks the beginning of the wetter season in Vanuatu, bringing a slight increase in both temperature and humidity. While conditions remain comfortably tropical, the air can feel more humid as the month progresses, particularly after rain showers.

Average daytime highs sit around 29°C (84.2°F), with evenings cooling to a pleasant 22°C (71.6°F). It's warm, lush and ideal for beach days, waterfall swims or exploring the islands' rainforest interiors, just pack light, breathable clothing.

Temperatures Across Vanuatu

• Efate (Port Vila) – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84.2°F), with an average low of 18°C (64.4°F).
• Espiritu Santo – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84.2°F), with an average low of 23°C (73.4°F).
• Malekula – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84.2°F), with an average low of 23°C (73.4°F).
• Tanna – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84.2°F), with an average low of 18°C (64.4°F).
• Banks Islands & Torres – The average high temperature is around 29°C (84.2°F), with an average low of 23°C (73.4°F).

Sea Temperature in November

The ocean around Vanuatu stays inviting year-round. In November, sea temperatures average around 27°C (80.6°F), making conditions ideal for snorkelling, diving and other water-based activities.

November in Vanuatu brings long, bright days, with around 13 hours of daylight to enjoy. You can expect roughly 8 hours of sunshine per day, which is still plenty for beach time, island hopping and outdoor adventures. Paired with warm temperatures and coastal breezes, it’s an inviting month to explore both land and sea.

UV Levels During November

UV levels in Vanuatu are extremely high in November, often reaching 11+ on the UV index around midday, so sun protection is essential when spending time outdoors.

It's essential to wear high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen, reapply regularly, and consider wearing sun-protective clothing for longer excursions. See The Best Sunscreens for Vanuatu + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During November

November brings extended daylight hours, with sunrise and sunset shifting gradually as the month progresses.

• Sunrise: 5:15 am at the beginning of November, 5:10 am at the end of the month
• Sunset: 5:56 pm at the beginning of November, 6:10 pm at the end of the month

While November signals the beginning of the wetter season in Vanuatu, rainfall is generally manageable compared to the peak months ahead.

On average, there are around 15 days with some rainfall, but showers are typically brief tropical bursts rather than constant, day-long rain, often passing quickly and giving way to sunshine.

Vanuatu receives approximately 170 mm (6.7 in) of rainfall in November, enough to freshen the landscape without significantly disrupting travel plans.

Average Rainfall Across Vanuatu

• Efate (Port Vila) – The average rainfall in November is 170 mm (6.7 in)
• Espiritu Santo – The average rainfall in November is 236 mm (9.3 in)
• Malekula – The average rainfall in November is 220 mm (8.7 in)
• Tanna – The average rainfall in November is 185 mm (7.3 in)
• Banks Islands & Torres – The average rainfall in November is 231 mm (9 in)

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November through April, which means November in Vanuatu carries a low but increasing risk of tropical storms. That said, the likelihood is still much lower than during the peak cyclone months of December through March.

If you’re keen to minimise cyclone risk altogether, travelling during Vanuatu’s dry season from May to October is your safest option.

However, if November fits your travel plans, we'd recommend familiarising yourself with cyclone preparedness by checking out our comprehensive guide, Cyclone Safety in Vanuatu.

Here's the thing about November in Vanuatu: we're convinced it's one of the best times to explore these incredible islands. The seas are warming up, the crowds have thinned out, and everything feels wonderfully alive again. What's more, exciting events on the outer islands can't help but beckon you to experience the real kastom cultures of Vanuatu!

Efate is where most adventures begin, and honestly, we love how accessible it feels. Home to the capital Port Vila LINK#D017, this island is perfect for easing into Vanuatu life.

Once you're ready for a kastom adventure, head out to Ambrym for the Rom Dance Festival, a cultural celebration held at Olal, Alal Fandor Village. The festival features a variety of unique traditional dances and incorporates cultural practices such as traditional food preparation, storytelling and demonstrations of local magic customs and sand drawing. While you're there, don't miss hiking up the island's active volcanoes!

Alternatively, head north to the Banks Islands of Rah and Moto Lava to join the St Andrew Cultural Fishing Festival. The celebration brings the community together, including the preparation of traditional fishing nets, which offer a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience for visitors.

Our advice? Try to visit more than one island if you can. Each offers a completely different side of Vanuatu, from laid-back beach life to volcanic landscapes and rich kastom traditions that you simply won't find anywhere else in the Pacific.

Check out our Vanuatu Itinerary: 14 Days / 2 Week LINK#TI045 and The Complete Travel Guide to Vanuatu LINK#TT059, which gives you plenty of ideas to make the most of the islands.

Be prepared for Vanuatu in November 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)
• Sarong for ladies to cover pants, shorts or swimwear, especially if visiting the outer islands
• 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)
• Sarong for ladies to cover pants, shorts or swimwear, especially if visiting the outer islands.

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