Port Vila in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Port Vila

28°C (83°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with 28°C (83°F) highs and virtually no rainfall - ideal for outdoor activities and island hopping
Shoulder season pricing with accommodation rates 20-30% lower than July-August peak tourist months
Excellent underwater visibility of 25-30m (82-98 ft) for diving and snorkeling as sediment has settled from April's transition period
Local harvest season for fresh tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples at markets, with lower prices and peak flavor

Considerations

Tourist boats and dive operators begin raising prices mid-month as they prepare for June-August peak season
Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% making walking between 12pm-3pm uncomfortable for heat-sensitive travelers
Some local festivals and cultural events are less frequent compared to cooler months of July-September

Best Activities in May

Underwater Blue Hole and Coral Garden Tours

May offers exceptional underwater visibility of 25-30m (82-98 ft) as April's weather transitions have settled. Water temperature sits at comfortable 26°C (79°F) perfect for extended snorkeling sessions. The famous Million Dollar Point wreck site is at its most accessible with calm seas occurring 80% of days.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified dive operators. Tours typically cost 8,500-12,000 VUV (75-105 USD) including equipment. Look for operators with PADI certification and insurance coverage. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Efate Island Cultural Village Experiences

May coincides with post-harvest celebrations in traditional villages. Comfortable 28°C (83°F) temperatures make walking between villages pleasant, while low humidity mornings (60%) are perfect for outdoor cooking demonstrations and craft workshops. Villages are more accessible as April rains have cleared mountain paths.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours range 4,500-7,500 VUV (40-65 USD). Book through community-based tourism operators who share profits with villages. Transport included from Vanuatu hotels. Reserve 5-7 days ahead for real feels.

Mount Yasur Volcano Night Tours

May's dry conditions mean clear visibility for the spectacular lava displays, with only 10 rainy days compared to 18+ in wetter months. Cool evening temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make the 30-minute hike to viewing areas comfortable. Clear skies provide impressive star visibility during the return journey.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours including flights cost 25,000-35,000 VUV (220-310 USD). Book 14 days ahead as daily visitor numbers are limited to 50 people. Tours typically depart 2pm, return 9pm. Weather delays are rare in May.

Waterfall Swimming and Jungle Trekking

Mele Cascades and Ekasup Village waterfalls are at optimal levels in May - not too low from dry season but crystal clear from settled sediment. Morning treks between 7-10am take advantage of 22°C (72°F) temperatures and 60% humidity before afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Individual waterfall visits cost 1,500-2,500 VUV (13-22 USD) entry plus transport. Combined jungle trekking tours range 6,000-9,000 VUV (53-80 USD). Book morning slots 2-3 days ahead for best weather conditions.

Local Market Food Tours and Cooking Classes

May is mango and breadfruit harvest season, with Vanuatu Market offering peak variety and quality. Comfortable morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make market walking pleasant. Traditional earth oven (laplap) cooking classes take advantage of dry conditions for outdoor preparation.

Booking Tip: Market tours cost 3,500-5,500 VUV (31-48 USD) including tastings. Cooking classes range 6,500-9,500 VUV (57-84 USD) with meal included. Book Tuesday-Saturday when market activity peaks. See current culinary tour options in booking section below.

Millennium Cave Adventure Tours

May's dry weather makes this challenging cave system safer with lower water levels and stable rock conditions. The 4-hour trek through 150m (492 ft) underground passages is more comfortable in 70% humidity rather than 85%+ of wetter months. River crossings are at manageable 0.5m (1.6 ft) depth.

Booking Tip: Full-day adventure tours cost 12,500-16,500 VUV (110-145 USD) including safety equipment and lunch. Requires moderate fitness level. Book 10-14 days ahead as groups are limited to 8 people for safety. Morning departures recommended.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Vanuatu Cultural Festival Week

Annual celebration featuring traditional string band competitions, custom story performances, and island craft demonstrations. Village groups from outer islands converge in Vanuatu, offering rare access to authentic cultural expressions typically seen only in remote communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo fiber shirts - stay cool in 28°C (83°F) heat while managing 70% humidity without odor retention

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects intensely off white sand beaches and coral

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for waterfall treks and village visits where shorts aren't culturally appropriate

Compact rain jacket - afternoon showers on 10 days last 20-30 minutes but can be intense

Reef-safe water shoes with good grip - volcanic rock coastlines and coral are sharp, wet surfaces slippery

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquitoes peak at dawn/dusk, especially near freshwater areas

Portable phone charger/power bank - remote activities often last 8+ hours without charging access

Lightweight day pack (20-25L) - for carrying water, snacks, and gear during full-day excursions

Cotton sarong or lightweight scarf - multipurpose for temple visits, beach cover, and air-conditioned spaces

Waterproof phone case - essential for underwater photography and protection during water activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before May 15th when operators start implementing June-August peak season rates, potentially saving 25-30% on the Easttimor properties

Shop at Vanuatu Market before 8am Tuesday-Saturday when selection is best and temperatures are coolest at 22°C (72°F) - vendors often provide free tastings to early visitors

Most tour operators offer 'shoulder season discounts' in early May but quietly remove them after May 20th as peak season approaches - negotiate rates mentioning this timing

Local buses (tap taps) run most frequently 6am-10am and 3pm-6pm avoiding midday heat - costs 150-200 VUV (1.30-1.75 USD) versus 2,500+ VUV (22+ USD) for tourist shuttles covering Easttimor routes

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor activities between 12pm-3pm when humidity peaks at 85% and UV index reaches dangerous levels - morning slots are significantly more comfortable

Underestimating water needs during activities - volcanic terrain and 70% humidity require 3-4L (0.8-1.1 gallons) per person for full-day excursions versus typical 2L recommendations

Assuming all tour operators include reef-safe sunscreen and proper snorkeling gear - cheaper operators often provide expired or coral-damaging products, bring your own quality equipment