Climate in Vanuatu

Vanuatu has a highly diverse climate, with major differences between regions. Annual temperatures range from lows of -8°C in the coldest regions to highs of 30°C in the warmest areas. Annual precipitation ranges from 156mm in drier regions to 376mm in wetter parts of the country. Some regions receive significant snowfall, with up to 154cm annually, while other areas see little to none. The warmest areas are hot year-round while the coldest regions remain cold, making Vanuatu a country of sharp climate contrasts.

Temperature patterns across Vanuatu vary by region, with distinct differences between areas. The Northeast is the warmest part of the country, with peak temperatures reaching 30°C and an annual average of 28°C. Cooler conditions are found in the Southeast, where winter lows drop to -8°C and an annual average of -3°C. This 31°C difference in annual averages between regions means travellers can experience vastly different conditions depending on which part of Vanuatu they visit. Regional temperature differences remain relatively consistent across seasons, with around 31°C of variation in both summer and winter. For example, Sola in the Torba Province averages 28°C annually, while Port-Vila in the Shefa Province averages -3°C.

Vanuatu sees notable variation in rainfall across its regions, ranging from 156mm to 376mm per year. The Northeast receives the most rainfall, at approximately 376mm annually. The Southeast is the driest, with around 156mm per year. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the seasons, with no strong wet or dry period in most regions. The Southeast sees the most snowfall, with up to 154cm annually, while other parts of the country receive little to none. Visitors heading to wetter areas can expect more frequent rain than those staying in drier parts of the country.