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.

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.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November LINK#TT090 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 LINK#TT083 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 absolutely 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.

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.

November's calm seas make it ideal for lagoon snorkelling (the visibility is stunning), and we're big fans of the coastal drives that wind around the island. Don't miss Mele Cascades, the waterfalls are at their most impressive this time of year.

When the sun starts setting, grab a spot along the waterfront for dinner. The boat trips and reef activities are fantastic too, something we've experienced first-hand.

Espiritu Santo LINK#D053 is where natural beauty lovers will find their paradise. We can't get enough of those crystal-clear blue holes, and the WWII wrecks add an incredible historical dimension to any diving adventure.

Champagne Beach and Million Dollar Point are absolute must-visits, the powdery white sand and warm November waters create perfect snorkelling conditions. The inland rivers and caves are particularly vibrant this time of year, as we discovered on our last trip.

Tanna LINK#D071 is where adventure seekers need to head. This island delivers drama like nowhere else we've visited.

November is brilliant for experiencing Mount Yasur volcano (it's active, so you'll get quite the show), exploring traditional villages, and soaking in natural hot springs. The timing works perfectly too, you'll beat the peak wet-season rains that arrive later.

According to locals, Tanna captures the raw, cultural heart of Vanuatu better than anywhere else.

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: 7 Days / 1 Week LINK#TI047 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)
• Light pants/trousers/skirt (to cover the knees when appropriate – villages or 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.