Port Vila in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Port Vila

30°C (87°F) High Temp

21°C (71°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season perfection - December is technically the dry season with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping adventures
Comfortable evening temperatures - nights drop to 21°C (71°F), perfect for exploring Vanuatu's waterfront markets and outdoor dining without the sticky heat of wet season
Peak visibility for diving and snorkeling - December waters are clearest with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility around Hideaway Island and Million Dollar Point wreck sites
Festive atmosphere without crowds - Christmas decorations blend with Pacific culture, creating unique photo opportunities and cultural experiences without the tourist masses of July-August

Considerations

Cyclone season begins - While rare in December, the official cyclone season starts, meaning weather can change rapidly and some outer island tours may cancel with 24-48 hours notice
Higher accommodation rates - December pricing jumps 30-40% above shoulder season rates due to Australian and New Zealand school holidays coinciding with Vanuatu's peak season
Intense UV exposure - With UV index at 8 and minimal cloud cover, sunburn happens within 15 minutes without protection, particularly brutal for reef snorkeling activities

Best Activities in December

Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary Snorkeling

December offers the year's clearest water conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas perfect for underwater post office visits. Morning tours (8am-11am) avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Water temperature sits at comfortable 27°C (81°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Tours typically cost 4,500-6,500 VUV including equipment and transfers. Check current weather conditions before booking as tours can cancel for safety. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Million Dollar Point Historical Diving

December's calm conditions and excellent visibility make this the prime month for exploring the WWII equipment dump site. Advanced snorkelers and divers can see bulldozers, trucks, and machinery in crystal-clear water. Best visited early morning before 10am.

Booking Tip: Requires intermediate swimming skills minimum. Licensed dive operators charge 7,500-9,500 VUV for guided experiences. Equipment rental adds 1,500-2,000 VUV. Book through certified PADI operators only for safety.

Port Vila Cultural Market Tours

December brings seasonal fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and local Christmas specialties. Saturday markets (6am-3pm) offer the best selection when rural vendors come to town. Morning hours 6am-9am have freshest produce and cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best, but cultural tours with local guides cost 3,000-4,500 VUV for 2-3 hours. Bring small denomination VUV notes. Guided tours explain seasonal ingredients and cooking methods.

Mele Cascades Waterfall Adventure

December's dry conditions mean easier hiking on the 30-minute trail to the falls, but water levels are lower than wet season. Perfect for swimming and photography without muddy paths. Water temperature stays cool at 23°C (73°F).

Booking Tip: Entry fee 1,000 VUV plus 500 VUV parking. Transport tours cost 4,000-5,500 VUV including pickup. Visit before 11am to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Wear grip-soled shoes for wet rocks near the falls.

Sunset Harbor Sailing

December's trade winds provide perfect sailing conditions with 15-20 knot winds and minimal rain. Sunset sails (5pm-7pm) showcase Vanuatu's harbor with comfortable temperatures dropping from 30°C to 25°C (87°F to 77°F) during the cruise.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead as weather is reliable. Catamaran tours cost 5,500-7,500 VUV including drinks. Private charters available for 25,000-35,000 VUV for up to 8 people. Check current sailing tours in booking section below.

Island Hopping to Iririki Island

December's calm seas make the 5-minute ferry crossing smooth and reliable. The island offers resort-style beaches, walking trails, and cultural demonstrations. Perfect escape from Vanuatu's heat with ocean breezes and shaded areas.

Booking Tip: Day passes cost 2,500-3,500 VUV including ferry transfers. Resort facilities add 1,500-2,500 VUV for loungers and restaurant access. Ferries run every 30 minutes 8am-6pm. Book resort packages for better value.

December Events & Festivals

Mid to Late December

Port Vila Christmas Markets

Local artisans sell handmade decorations blending Pacific and Christian traditions. Features traditional string band performances and seasonal foods like lap lap prepared with Christmas spices. Unique cultural fusion rarely seen elsewhere in the Pacific.

December 26

Boxing Day Beach Festivals

Local families gather at Erakor Lagoon and other beaches for traditional games, music, and communal cooking. Visitors welcome to observe and participate in non-commercial celebrations showing authentic ni-Vanuatu culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and standard sunscreens damage coral reefs around marine sanctuaries

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic fabrics dry within 2-3 hours after rain or swimming

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers occur 10 days in December, lasting 20-45 minutes each time

Water shoes with grip soles - essential for Million Dollar Point snorkeling, Mele Cascades rocks, and coral reef areas

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during dawn/dusk hours near freshwater areas like Mele Cascades

Waterproof phone case - crucial for underwater photography at marine parks and protecting devices during sudden showers

Light long-sleeve shirt - protects from UV during boat trips and provides mosquito protection during evening activities

Comfortable walking sandals - many attractions require walking on uneven surfaces, coral paths, and wet decks

Cash in small VUV denominations - most local operators and markets don't accept cards, ATMs charge high fees

Snorkel mask if you have prescription needs - rental masks may not accommodate vision requirements at diving sites

Insider Knowledge

Local families do their major shopping during the first week of December - markets are busiest but offer the best variety of seasonal produce and Christmas specialties like coconut cakes

Trade winds pick up around 2pm daily in December, making afternoon boat trips choppier but providing natural air conditioning for walking tours - plan water activities for morning calm periods

December is when local resorts hire temporary Christmas staff from outer islands - service can be inconsistent but you'll hear different language dialects and island stories not typical year-round

The Air Vanuatu domestic schedule changes in December for holiday demand - book inter-island flights at least 3 weeks ahead as seats fill with locals visiting family on outer islands

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 4 weeks ahead - December rates jump 30-40% and quality properties sell out due to Australian/New Zealand school holidays coinciding with cyclone season evacuations from other Pacific islands

Planning full-day outdoor activities without rain backup - while December is dry season, those 10 rainy days can wash out hiking, diving, or cultural village visits with little warning

Underestimating UV exposure during water activities - the combination of direct sun, water reflection, and minimal cloud cover causes severe burns within 15 minutes, especially dangerous while snorkeling when you don't feel the heat