Vanuatu Weather in October

October in Vanuatu brings consistent tropical warmth, with daytime highs averaging 27°C (80.6°F) and evenings cooling slightly to a comfortable 21°C (69.8°F). Humidity remains moderate, giving the islands that classic island feel without being overwhelming.

While this is technically the tail end of the dry season, the air starts to feel a little more tropical. The sea temperature is still inviting, remaining just slightly cooler than the summer months, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Sea Temperature in October

Vanuatu's waters remain comfortably warm year-round, and October is no exception. With sea temperatures averaging 26°C (78.8°F), it's perfect for water-based activities like kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding.

Vanuatu enjoys long, bright days in October, with around 13 hours of daylight and roughly eight hours of sunshine on average. There’s plenty of sun for beach days, hikes, or scenic drives along the coast.

UV Levels During October

UV levels are extremely high in October, often reaching 11+ around midday, so reef-safe, high-factor sunscreen is essential.

Be sure to pack reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially if you're outdoors or in the water, see The Best Sunscreens for Vanuatu + Sun Protection Tips.

Sunrise and Sunset During October

In Vanuatu, daylight hours hold steady in October.

• Sunrise: Around 5:34 am at the beginning of October, shifting to about 5:15 am by the end of the month
• Sunset: Around 5:48 pm at the start of the month, moving to approximately 5:55 pm by the end

Although October is still part of Vanuatu's dry season, rainfall begins to pick up slightly. Expect around 14 days with some rain throughout the month, though showers are usually short and often occur in the evening or overnight.

It's still wise to pack a lightweight rain jacket in case a tropical downpour catches you by surprise. Vanuatu receives an average of 103 mm of monthly rainfall in October, which is moderate compared to the wetter months ahead.

The South Pacific cyclone season runs from November LINK#TT090 to April, so October is one of the safer months to visit Vanuatu with a very low risk of tropical storms or cyclones forming.

Other months with similarly low storm risk include June, July, August and September.

Find out more about tropical storms in our guide, Cyclone Safety in Vanuatu.

Visiting Vanuatu on October offers warm tropical weather, and there's just enough rainfall to keep everything beautifully lush without ruining your plans. Plus, the crowds are thinner, which means you get to experience the islands more like the locals do.

We personally recommend starting with Efate LINK#D017, home to the capital Port Vila. It's the most accessible island and offers the perfect introduction to Vanuatu's charm. The city has a wonderful mix of cultural attractions, bustling markets, and gorgeous beachfronts. What we love most is how uncrowded the nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints remain in October.

Don't miss the Mele Cascades during your visit. October's dry-season conditions make it perfect for exploring, and the lagoon swimming is absolutely divine.

For a more remote adventure, we can't get enough of Espiritu Santo LINK#D053 and Tanna. Santo boasts some of the most pristine beaches you'll ever see, plus those incredible blue holes and vibrant coral reefs that are perfect for snorkelling and diving. From what we've experienced, the underwater world here is simply breathtaking.

Tanna is famous for Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. The island also has traditional villages where you can experience authentic customs, as we discovered first-hand during our last visit.

Both islands reward visitors with adventure, solitude, and unforgettable natural beauty.

Better yet, why not explore multiple islands? October's stable weather, moderate rainfall, and beautifully warm seas make it the perfect month to island-hop and experience Vanuatu's stunning landscapes, rich culture, and wonderfully laid-back island life.

Check out The Best Islands & Provinces to Visit in Vanuatu LINK#TT022 to learn more about the islands and their differences.

Be prepared for Vanuatu in October 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.