Things to Do in Vanuatu in July

July Weather in Vanuatu

28°C (82°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 85mm (3.3 inches) across the month means outdoor activities rarely get disrupted
Southeast trade winds create perfect sailing and diving conditions with 20-30m (65-98 ft) visibility underwater and consistent 15-20 knot winds
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than August/September peak season while weather conditions remain excellent
Ideal hiking weather with comfortable 23-28°C (73-82°F) temperatures and lower humidity making volcano treks and jungle walks pleasant throughout the day

Considerations

Popular with Australian winter escapees - flights from Australia can cost 40-50% more and book out 8-10 weeks ahead
Strong trade winds can make smaller island transfers choppy, with ferries to outer islands occasionally delayed or cancelled
Cooler evenings require light layers - temperatures drop to 23°C (73°F) at night which can feel chilly after hot tropical days

Best Activities in July

Volcano Trekking and Lava Lake Viewing

July's dry conditions and cooler temperatures make this the perfect month for ascending Vanuatu's active volcanoes. Mount Yasur on Tanna Island offers the world's most accessible lava lake, while cooler 23-28°C (73-82°F) temperatures mean comfortable hiking during the 1.5-hour trek. Clear skies provide unobstructed views of lava fountains reaching 100-300m (328-984 ft) high.

Booking Tip: Book volcano tours 7-10 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost VUV 8,000-12,000 ($70-105 USD) including transport. Evening tours offer the most dramatic lava views. Look for operators with safety equipment and volcanic activity monitoring. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Diving and Snorkeling Adventures

July's southeast trade winds create exceptional underwater visibility of 25-30m (82-98 ft) around Espiritu Santo and Efate. The SS President Coolidge, the world's largest accessible shipwreck, offers perfect diving conditions in July's calmer seas. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F) with minimal current, ideal for both beginners and advanced divers exploring coral gardens and WWII relics.

Booking Tip: Book diving packages 10-14 days ahead, especially for liveaboard trips. Day diving typically costs VUV 6,500-9,000 ($55-80 USD) per dive including equipment. PADI certification courses run VUV 35,000-45,000 ($300-400 USD). Choose operators with nitrox capability for deeper wreck penetration. Current options available in the booking widget below.

Island Hopping by Traditional Sailing

July's consistent 15-20 knot southeast trade winds create perfect sailing conditions between Vanuatu's 83 islands. Traditional outrigger sailing trips take advantage of these reliable winds for comfortable inter-island travel. The dry season means minimal risk of trip cancellations, and cooler temperatures make full-day sailing comfortable without excessive sun exposure.

Booking Tip: Charter traditional sailing vessels 2-3 weeks ahead during July. Full-day sailing trips cost VUV 12,000-18,000 ($100-155 USD) per person including lunch. Multi-day island hopping ranges VUV 25,000-40,000 ($215-345 USD) per day. Look for certified skippers with local navigation knowledge and safety equipment. See sailing options in the booking section.

Blue Hole and Freshwater Swimming

July's lower rainfall means freshwater swimming holes reach their clearest state. The famous blue holes on Espiritu Santo show their most vibrant turquoise colors when water levels stabilize after the wet season. Temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) provide refreshing relief from tropical heat, and rope swinging is safest when water levels are predictable.

Booking Tip: Blue hole tours cost VUV 4,500-7,000 ($40-60 USD) including transport from Luganville. Book 3-5 days ahead through local operators. Tours typically last 4-6 hours covering 2-3 different swimming holes. Bring underwater cameras and reef-safe sunscreen. Water shoes recommended for rocky entries. Current tours available through the booking widget.

Cultural Village Experiences and Kastom Dancing

July coincides with traditional kastom season when villages perform authentic cultural ceremonies. Cooler evening temperatures make traditional ground cooking demonstrations and fire dancing comfortable for extended viewing. Many villages schedule special cultural programs during July's dry season when outdoor amphitheaters can operate without weather concerns.

Booking Tip: Village cultural tours cost VUV 3,500-6,000 ($30-50 USD) per person including traditional lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead to ensure village availability and fresh preparations. Evening programs with fire dancing cost additional VUV 1,500-2,500 ($13-22 USD). Choose community-run programs that directly benefit local families. See cultural tour options below.

Kava Bar Crawling and Nightlife

July's cooler evenings make outdoor kava drinking more comfortable as temperatures drop to pleasant 23°C (73°F) after sunset. This is peak season for kava preparation as fresh roots are harvested. Local nakamals (kava bars) extend hours during July's dry weather, offering the authentic social experience central to ni-Vanuatu culture without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Kava bar experiences cost VUV 500-1,500 ($4-13 USD) per shell depending on strength. No advance booking needed - join evening kava crawls starting around 6pm. Look for nakamals recommended by your accommodation. Evening cultural kava tours cost VUV 4,000-6,500 ($35-55 USD) including multiple stops and cultural explanation. Current evening tours in booking section.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Toka Festival Preparation Season

July marks the beginning of traditional Toka festival preparations on Tanna Island, where villages begin intensive training for the ceremonial exchanges and dancing that culminate in August. Visitors can witness authentic rehearsals, traditional craft preparation, and participate in community activities leading up to the main celebration.

Mid to Late July

Melanesian Arts Festival Regional Competitions

Regional qualifying events for the biennial Melanesian Arts Festival occur throughout July across different islands. These competitions showcase traditional music, dance, and crafts as communities prepare their best performers and artisans for the main festival. Village-level competitions offer intimate cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool base layers for 23°C (73°F) evening temperatures - cotton gets clammy in 70% humidity

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ for UV index 8 conditions - chemical sunscreens damage coral reefs

Quick-dry hiking pants for volcano treks - lava fields have sharp volcanic rock that shreds regular clothing

Waterproof phone case for blue hole swimming and boat transfers - even in dry season, sea spray is constant

Closed-toe water shoes with thick soles - volcanic beaches have hot black sand reaching 45°C (113°F) by midday

Light rain jacket for sudden tropical showers - July storms are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET 30%+ for dengue mosquito prevention - they're most active during cooler dawn and dusk hours

Dive skin or thin wetsuit for extended water activities - even at 26°C (79°F), you'll get cold after 2+ hours

Headlamp with red filter for volcano night tours - preserves night vision while navigating rough lava terrain

Cash in small denominations - many outer island vendors don't accept large VUV notes or cards

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights 6-8 weeks ahead in July - Air Vanuatu operates limited schedules and flights sell out quickly during Australian winter holidays

Kava is strongest and freshest on Tuesday and Friday evenings when most nakamals receive new root deliveries from rural suppliers

Visit local markets before 8am for best selection and prices - vendors often sell out of fresh produce by 10am and prices increase throughout the day

Bring Australian dollars rather than USD - exchange rates are better and many businesses accept AUD directly at favorable rates compared to banks

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how cool 23°C (73°F) evenings feel after hot tropical days - pack light layers for comfortable dining and evening activities

Booking accommodation in Port Vila only - staying on outer islands like Espiritu Santo or Tanna requires advance planning but offers far superior experiences

Assuming all islands have ATMs - bring sufficient cash for outer island activities, meals, and transport as card acceptance is limited outside main centers