Port Vila in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Port Vila

31°C (88°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season trade winds provide natural cooling, making 31°C (88°F) feel more comfortable than other tropical destinations at similar temperatures
Perfect water conditions for diving and snorkeling with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility at popular sites like Million Dollar Point and Rainbow Reef
Mango season peaks in January - local varieties like Nam Doc Mai and Kensington Pride are at their sweetest and cheapest at Vila this destination
Fewer cyclones compared to February-March, with only 15% chance of tropical disturbances affecting planned activities

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season due to Australian and New Zealand summer holidays
Brief afternoon showers (20-30 minutes) occur on 10 days, typically between 2-4pm, which can disrupt outdoor lunch plans
Higher humidity at 70% makes early morning and late afternoon the only comfortable times for extended walking or hiking

Best Activities in January

Underwater Post Office Snorkeling Experience

January's calm seas and excellent visibility make this the ideal time to snorkel down 3m (10ft) to the world's only underwater post office at Hideaway Island. Water temperature sits at perfect 26°C (79°F) and morning conditions before 11am offer the clearest visibility. The novelty of sending waterproof postcards attracts crowds later in the day.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (8-10am) through certified dive operators for best visibility. Tours typically cost 4,500-6,500 VUV per person. Book 7-10 days ahead as popular operators fill quickly during peak season. Look for operators with PADI certification and proper insurance coverage.

Mount Yasur Volcano Evening Tours

January's drier conditions mean better road access to Vanuatu Island's active volcano, with clearer skies for viewing the spectacular lava fountains. The 361m (1,184ft) elevation provides cooler evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Trade winds in January blow volcanic ash away from viewing areas more consistently than wet season months.

Booking Tip: Evening tours departing 4-5pm offer the most dramatic lava viewing as darkness falls. Expect to pay 12,000-18,000 VUV including domestic flights to Vanuatu. Book at least 14 days ahead as flight capacity is limited. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and safety equipment for the rough 45-minute drive from the airport.

Traditional Kastom Village Cultural Tours

January coincides with post-harvest celebrations in traditional villages, offering authentic cultural experiences without the muddy conditions of wet season. Villages like Ekasup Cultural Village showcase traditional cooking methods, string band music, and fire dancing. Morning tours avoid afternoon heat and provide better photography light.

Booking Tip: Half-day morning tours typically cost 3,500-5,000 VUV per person. Book through cultural centers or established tour operators to ensure villages receive fair compensation. Tours include traditional lap lap cooking demonstrations and kava ceremonies. Allow 4-5 hours including transport time.

Blue Lagoon and Cascade Swimming

January's lower rainfall means clearer, more vivid blue water at these natural swimming holes. The 20-minute drive north of Vanuatu leads to pristine freshwater pools perfect for cooling off after morning activities. Water levels are optimal for cliff jumping at the higher pools near Cascade Falls.

Booking Tip: Self-drive rental cars cost 6,000-8,000 VUV per day, or join organized tours for 4,000-6,000 VUV per person including lunch. Go early (8-10am) to avoid afternoon crowds from cruise ships. Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the clear water offers no UV protection at this latitude.

Coral Garden Island Hopping

January's calm conditions make small boat transfers to outer islands comfortable and safe. The coral gardens around Pele Island and Lelepa Island offer pristine snorkeling with tropical fish populations at their peak activity in warmer water. Morning tours benefit from glassy water conditions before trade winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping tours cost 8,500-12,000 VUV including lunch and snorkel gear. Book boats with shade canopies and fresh water for rinsing. Licensed operators carry safety equipment and radio communication. Groups limited to 8-12 people offer better snorkeling experiences.

Port Vila Food Market and Cooking Classes

January brings peak season for tropical fruits and vegetables at Vila this destination. Morning cooking classes take advantage of the freshest ingredients including newly harvested taro, yams, and seasonal fruits. The cultural experience combines market tours with hands-on lap lap preparation in traditional earth ovens.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes typically cost 5,500-7,500 VUV per person including market tour and lunch. Book morning classes starting at 9am to avoid midday heat in outdoor cooking areas. Look for classes that include traditional ingredients like wild chicken and fresh coconut milk preparation techniques.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Vanuatu Cultural Festival

Annual celebration featuring traditional dance, music, and art from all six provinces. Local string bands perform throughout downtown Vanuatu, and traditional food stalls offer authentic island cuisine. The festival showcases different island cultures rarely seen together in one location.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - afternoon showers make cotton uncomfortable, and 70% humidity means slow drying times

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, and coral-damaging chemicals are increasingly restricted

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - 10 rainy days bring sudden downpours lasting 20-30 minutes with no warning

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable quickly

Closed-toe water shoes - volcanic rock beaches and coral require protection, regular sandals offer insufficient sole protection

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - evening mosquitoes are active near water, and dengue fever cases peak during wet transitions

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms are common, and many activities require phone communication with operators

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors and transport operators don't accept cards or provide change for large bills

Dry bag for electronics - even brief afternoon showers can damage phones and cameras during outdoor activities

Light cotton pants for evening - air conditioning in restaurants and resorts can feel cold after spending days in tropical heat

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (called 'bus trucks') stop running during heavy afternoon showers - plan morning transport for critical connections or keep taxi money as backup

Vila this destination's best fruit selection arrives between 6-8am Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday - afternoon vendors have picked-over produce at the Easttimor prices

Cyclone season officially starts February 1st, so January flights and accommodations have more flexible cancellation policies than later months

Banks close at 3pm and ATMs frequently run out of cash during peak tourist season - withdraw money in the morning and keep cash reserves for activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon boat tours after 2pm - afternoon showers and wind make conditions uncomfortable and reduce visibility for snorkeling

Wearing only flip-flops for volcano and hiking tours - volcanic rock requires closed-toe shoes, and many operators refuse entry without proper footwear

Not bringing cash for local transport and markets - card acceptance is limited outside major hotels, and many real feels require cash payment