Port Vila in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Port Vila

28°C (83°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature balance - warm 28°C (83°F) days with cooler 19°C (67°F) evenings ideal for outdoor dining and night markets without the oppressive heat of summer months
Peak trade wind season creates excellent sailing conditions and makes island hopping comfortable with 15-20 knot steady breezes cooling the humidity
Dry season begins - despite 10 rainy days, showers are brief afternoon bursts lasting 15-30 minutes, clearing quickly for evening activities
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 30-40% from July-August peaks while weather remains excellent, with fewer crowds at popular spots like Hideaway Island

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon showers can disrupt outdoor plans - October sits between seasons so weather patterns shift daily, requiring flexible itineraries
Wind conditions vary dramatically - great for sailing one day, choppy for island transfers the next, making some outer island tours weather-dependent
High UV index of 8 with 70% humidity creates intense sun exposure - sunburn happens within 20 minutes even on cloudy days due to reflection off water

Best Activities in October

Mele Cascades Waterfall Hiking

October's recent rains ensure full water flow while cooler morning temperatures 19°C (67°F) make the 45-minute uphill trek comfortable. The pool is perfect for swimming after the hike, and afternoon clouds provide natural shade. Morning visits (8-10am) avoid both heat and tour groups.

Booking Tip: No booking required - pay 1,000 VUV entrance fee at gate. Best accessed via local bus (150 VUV) or rental car. Visit mornings before 10am to avoid heat and crowds. Bring water shoes for rocky pool areas.

Port Vila Harbor Island Hopping

October's trade winds create ideal sailing conditions to Hideaway Island, Iririki Island, and Pele Island. Water visibility reaches 25-30 meters (82-98 feet) for snorkeling, and consistent breezes keep boats comfortable despite humidity. Afternoon showers typically clear by departure time.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (9am-3pm tours) to avoid afternoon weather. Expect costs of 4,500-6,500 VUV per person including lunch and snorkel gear. Book 2-3 days ahead through waterfront operators for best boat selection.

Cultural Village Tours in Ekasup

October's lower humidity makes the cultural fire-walking demonstrations and traditional cooking lessons more comfortable for visitors. The dry season timing coincides with harvest activities, offering authentic glimpses of subsistence farming and traditional food preparation methods.

Booking Tip: Tours run 10am-2pm to avoid afternoon showers. Costs typically 2,800-3,500 VUV including traditional lunch and demonstrations. Book through accommodations or see current options in booking section below. Wear closed shoes and long pants for fire-walking ceremonies.

Mount Yasur Volcano Day Trips

October offers the best visibility for volcano viewing with fewer rain clouds obscuring the summit. The 2.5-hour flight to Vanuatu Island showcases clear aerial views of the archipelago, and evening crater viewing benefits from cooler temperatures and dramatic sunset lighting through volcanic gases.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 25,000-35,000 VUV including flights, transfers, and crater access. Book 5-7 days ahead as small aircraft have limited seats. Evening viewing tours return by 8pm, perfect for October's pleasant nighttime temperatures.

Port Vila Market and Food Walking Tours

October's abundant local produce from dry season harvests fills Vanuatu Market with seasonal fruits like nangae and island cabbage. Cooler morning temperatures make market exploration comfortable, and the lap lap cooking demonstrations benefit from outdoor conditions without excessive heat.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market visits cost 200-500 VUV for samples. Organized food tours run 1,800-2,500 VUV per person. Visit markets Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for best selection. Start early (8am) before midday heat builds.

Coral Garden Snorkeling and Diving

October's water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F) with excellent 25-30 meter (82-98 feet) visibility. Consistent trade winds keep surface conditions manageable for beginners while providing enough current for drift diving at advanced sites. Coral spawning activity increases marine life encounters.

Booking Tip: Half-day snorkel tours cost 3,500-4,500 VUV, full diving excursions 8,000-12,000 VUV including equipment. Book morning departures for calmest conditions. PADI certification courses available but require 3-4 days - plan accordingly.

October Events & Festivals

Throughout October

Vanuatu Independence Day Preparations

October marks the beginning of Independence Day preparation season with traditional dance practice sessions and handicraft competitions. Local communities begin rehearsing for July celebrations, offering visitors authentic cultural experiences without the crowds of the main event.

Various dates in October

Local Church Harvest Festivals

Presbyterian and Anglican churches hold harvest thanksgiving services featuring traditional island foods, string band performances, and community feasts. These authentic community gatherings welcome respectful visitors and showcase genuine ni-Vanuatu hospitality.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but can be intense, and you'll want protection for market visits

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 with water reflection causes burns within 20 minutes even on cloudy days

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

Water shoes or reef boots - essential for rocky beach entries, coral protection, and waterfall pool exploration

Light cotton sweater for evenings - temperatures drop to 19°C (67°F) after sunset, making outdoor dining more comfortable with layers

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - you'll be in and out of water frequently, and high humidity prevents slow-drying fabrics from air-drying effectively

Insect repellent with DEET - October's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially around fresh water areas and during evening hours

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - protect electronics during boat trips and unexpected showers while keeping cameras accessible

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - for market exploration and casual dining, avoiding heavy closed shoes in humidity

Small daypack with waterproof lining - for carrying water, snacks, and weather protection during island excursions and hiking

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (150 VUV) run more frequently in October as school term resumes - use them for authentic transport to attractions like Mele Cascades instead of expensive hotel shuttles

October marks the beginning of flying fox (fruit bat) season - locals consider them a delicacy and they appear on restaurant menus, offering adventurous eaters a unique protein experience

Afternoon showers create the best rainbow viewing opportunities around 4-5pm when sun breaks through clouds - locals gather at waterfront areas during these moments

Exchange money at Bred Bank or ANZ rather than hotels - October 2025 rates favor VUV exchanges, and banks offer 8-12% better rates than resort money changers

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities for afternoons - October's weather patterns bring showers between 2-5pm roughly 60% of days, disrupting tours and causing cancellations

Underestimating UV exposure on overcast days - 70% humidity creates false sense of protection while UV index remains high, leading to severe sunburns

Packing heavy rain gear - October showers are brief but intense, making compact umbrellas more practical than bulky raincoats in the humidity