Things to Do in Vanuatu in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Vanuatu
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak cyclone season hasn't fully kicked in yet - January sits in that sweet spot before February-March when serious storms typically roll through. You'll get rain, sure, but it's usually the brief tropical downpour variety rather than multi-day washouts.
- The mangoes are absolutely incredible right now. January is peak mango season across Vanuatu, and you'll find them everywhere from Port Vila markets to village roadside stalls. Locals know this is the best eating month of the year, and you'll see why when you taste fruit picked that morning.
- Water visibility is genuinely excellent - typically 20-30m (65-100 ft) at popular dive sites around Efate and Espiritu Santo. The summer rains actually help flush nutrients through the reefs, and the marine life is particularly active. Manta rays are commonly spotted at Cathedral Caves this time of year.
- Accommodation pricing is reasonable compared to the July-August peak. You're looking at roughly 20-30% lower rates at most resorts, and you can often negotiate multi-night deals that simply aren't available during Australian school holidays. Book 3-4 weeks ahead and you'll have decent options without the peak-season price shock.
Considerations
- Humidity sits around 70% most days, which means that sticky, heavy feeling the moment you step outside. Your clothes won't fully dry overnight, and you'll be showering twice daily. If you struggle with humidity, January might test your patience - there's no escaping it.
- Afternoon rain happens roughly 60% of days, usually between 2-5pm. It's not all-day rain typically, but it will disrupt your plans if you're not flexible. That beach picnic or sunset hike needs a backup plan, and outdoor restaurant meals sometimes turn into indoor affairs mid-meal.
- Some outer island transport gets unpredictable when weather turns. Small plane flights to places like Tanna or Malekula occasionally get delayed or cancelled with short notice due to afternoon storms. If you're on a tight schedule or have a fixed departure date, build in buffer days.
Best Activities in January
Espiritu Santo Blue Holes Swimming
January is actually ideal for the famous blue holes around Luganville - Nanda Blue Hole, Matevulu Blue Hole, and Riri Blue Hole are all running with perfect water levels after early wet season rains. The water temperature sits around 24-26°C (75-79°F), which feels refreshing in the humid heat. Crowds are manageable since you're outside Australian school holidays. The jungle trek to reach them (typically 15-20 minutes through muddy paths) is easier now than in the drier months when dust becomes an issue. Go early morning between 8-10am before tour groups arrive and before afternoon heat peaks.
Port Vila Market Cultural Visits
Port Vila Market is genuinely at its best in January - the produce selection peaks with mangoes, island cabbage, tuluk (island chestnuts), and fresh coconut crabs when available. Saturday morning is the main event, but Wednesday and Friday markets are less crowded and equally good. The covered market area means rain doesn't stop anything, which matters in January. This is where you'll see actual ni-Vanuatu life rather than resort tourism. Spend 90 minutes minimum, arrive around 7am before heat builds, and bring small denomination vatu notes - many vendors don't have change for 1,000 VUV notes.
Mount Yasur Volcano Night Tours
Tanna's Mount Yasur is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, and January offers dramatic viewing conditions. The volcano tends to be more active during wet season months, and the cloud cover actually enhances the glow effect at night - you'll see orange and red reflections in the clouds above the crater that you don't get in clear dry season. The 30-minute drive from Lenakel involves rough roads that are muddy but passable in January. Tours run every evening, departing around 4pm to reach the summit for sunset and stay through dark. The actual crater rim viewing lasts 45-60 minutes. Wear closed shoes - volcanic ash gets everywhere.
Efate Island Snorkeling and Reef Exploration
The reefs around Efate are particularly good in January with water temps around 27-28°C (81-82°F) and excellent visibility. Hideaway Island Marine Sanctuary is the easiest access - literally swim from the beach to healthy coral within 5 minutes. For more adventurous snorkeling, the SS President Coolidge wreck site off Espiritu Santo offers shallow sections accessible to snorkelers, though most people dive it. Mele Cascades combines waterfall swimming with nearby reef access. Morning sessions work best - aim for 9-11am before afternoon weather potentially rolls in and before midday sun creates surface glare.
Traditional Kastom Village Experiences
January coincides with yam harvest preparations in many villages, and you'll see more traditional agricultural activity than during other months. Several villages on Tanna, Pentecost, and Malekula offer cultural visits where you'll see traditional cooking methods, string band performances, and kastom dancing. These aren't staged resort shows - they're actual village communities sharing their lifestyle. Expect to spend 2-3 hours, and understand that schedules are flexible by Western standards. The humidity actually makes traditional earth oven cooking (laplap preparation) more comfortable to watch than in hotter dry months.
Mele Cascades Waterfall Swimming
Mele Cascades, about 20 minutes north of Port Vila, is absolutely perfect in January when water flow is strong but not dangerously high. The series of cascading pools means you can swim in multiple levels, and the surrounding rainforest is lush and green. The 15-20 minute walk up from the entrance follows the stream and involves some rock hopping - wear shoes with grip since everything is wet. Water temperature is refreshing around 23°C (73°F). Weekday visits are significantly less crowded than weekends when local families come out. Plan for 2-3 hours total including the walk and swimming time.
January Events & Festivals
Custom Yam Ceremonies (Various Islands)
While exact dates vary by island and village, January marks the beginning of yam harvest season preparations, and some communities hold small kastom ceremonies to mark the planting cycle. These aren't tourist events - they're actual traditional practices - but some villages welcome respectful visitors. If you're staying on Tanna or in rural Efate, ask your hosts if any ceremonies are happening. You'll see traditional dress, hear kastom stories, and possibly witness kava ceremonies. Participation means following village protocols including appropriate dress and bringing a small gift.