Things to Do in Vanuatu in March

March Weather in Vanuatu

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Lowest accommodation prices - March is deep wet season, meaning 40-60% savings on resorts and hotels compared to dry season peak
Waterfalls at maximum flow - Mele Cascades and Sekumpul Falls are spectacular with 3x normal water volume from accumulated wet season rainfall
Lush vegetation peak - Everything is emerald green, making Mount Yasur volcano crater hikes and rainforest walks incredibly photogenic
Fewer tourists - Major attractions like Blue Holes and Chief Roi Mata's Domain have 70% fewer visitors, perfect for photography and peaceful experiences

Considerations

Heavy afternoon storms daily - Expect 2-3 hours of intense rainfall between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor activities and boat transfers
High humidity makes heat feel oppressive - 78% humidity makes 29°C (84°F) feel like 35°C (95°F), exhausting for hiking and outdoor exploration
Rough seas limit island hopping - Swells of 2-3m (6-10ft) frequently cancel boat trips to outer islands and snorkeling excursions

Best Activities in March

Mount Yasur Volcano Night Tours

March's frequent cloud cover creates dramatic backdrops for volcanic explosions, while cooler evening temperatures (down to 20°C/68°F) make the 2-hour round-trip hike more comfortable. Rain typically stops by sunset, offering clear views of lava fountains against storm clouds.

Booking Tip: Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead through Port Vila operators - prices drop 30% in wet season to 8,000-12,000 VUV ($67-100 USD). Choose tours departing 4pm to avoid afternoon storms. All operators provide rain gear.

Cultural Village Experiences

March is traditional storytelling season when communities gather indoors during afternoon rains. Villages like Ekasup and Yakel offer authentic cultural exchanges with extended time for weaving demonstrations, kava ceremonies, and oral history sessions lasting 3-4 hours instead of rushed dry-season visits.

Booking Tip: Contact villages directly through Port Vila cultural centers 3-5 days ahead. Costs 2,000-3,500 VUV ($17-30 USD) including traditional lunch. Morning visits (8am-12pm) avoid daily storms and align with community schedules.

Blue Hole Swimming and Cave Exploration

Nanda Blue Hole and Million Dollar Point are refreshing escapes during March's heat and humidity. Underground caves stay cool at 22°C (72°F) while surface water temperature hits perfect 27°C (81°F). Post-rain water clarity is exceptional for underwater photography.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (7-10am) before daily storms. Entry fees 500-1,000 VUV ($4-8 USD). Rent snorkel gear in Port Vila for 1,500 VUV ($13 USD) per day rather than paying inflated on-site prices. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Waterfall Trekking Adventures

March showcases waterfalls at peak power with 10x normal flow rates. Mele Cascades creates natural infinity pools perfect for swimming, while the 45-minute trek to Cascade Bleu offers cooling mist sprays. Muddy trails require proper footwear but lead to spectacular photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Start treks at 7am to complete before afternoon downpours. Guide services cost 3,000-5,000 VUV ($25-42 USD) and include waterproof bags for gear. Book through eco-tourism cooperatives in Mele village for authentic experiences.

Port Vila Market and Cooking Classes

March brings peak fruit season - breadfruit, island cabbage, and ngali nuts are abundant and cheapest. Morning market visits (5:30-9am) offer interactions with producers before heat builds. Indoor cooking classes provide perfect storm-day activities while learning lap lap preparation techniques.

Booking Tip: Market tours cost 1,500-2,500 VUV ($13-21 USD). Combined market-cooking experiences run 4,500-7,000 VUV ($38-59 USD) for 4-hour sessions. Book cooking classes 2-3 days ahead as indoor activities fill up during rainy periods.

Underwater Post Office Diving

March offers the calmest conditions around Hideaway Island for the world's only underwater post office experience. Water visibility reaches 25m (82ft) between storm systems, and absence of cruise ship crowds means private access to this 3m (10ft) deep attraction.

Booking Tip: Shore-based snorkeling costs 2,000 VUV ($17 USD) including postal service. Full scuba packages run 8,000-12,000 VUV ($67-100 USD). Book morning slots through Hideaway Island Resort - afternoon sessions often cancelled for weather.

March Events & Festivals

July 30 (not March)

Independence Day Celebrations

Vanuatu's independence anniversary features traditional dancing, local food festivals, and cultural performances across all islands. Port Vila hosts the main ceremony with kastom dances and string band competitions lasting three days.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and shirts - 78% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours, synthetic fabrics dry in 30 minutes

Waterproof phone case - Daily torrential downpours last 2-3 hours with zero warning, electronics need full protection

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 9 causes burns in 15 minutes, chemical sunscreens damage coral systems

Closed-toe water shoes - Volcanic rock beaches and coral require protection, flip-flops insufficient for most activities

Lightweight rain poncho - Umbrellas useless in 40km/h (25mph) storm winds, poncho covers backpack too

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - March rains create breeding grounds for mosquitos and sand flies, especially at dusk

Microfiber towel - Hotel towels never fully dry in March humidity, quick-dry towel essential for daily activities

Waterproof daypack liner - Protects camera gear and documents during sudden cloudbursts on hiking trails

Long-sleeve swim shirt - Prevents sunburn during extended water activities and protects from coral scrapes

Cash in small bills - Many villages and local operators don't accept cards, ATMs scarce outside Port Vila

Insider Knowledge

Local buses stop running during heavy afternoon storms (2-5pm daily) - plan morning activities or arrange private transport costing 2,000-3,000 VUV ($17-25 USD) for storm-time travel

March is 'aelan kaikai' (island food) season when locals harvest seasonal produce - ask for traditional dishes like tuluk (island cabbage rolls) and lap lap cooked in earth ovens, only available during wet months

Domestic flights between islands cancelled 40% more frequently in March due to crosswinds - book afternoon flights (storms usually pass by 6pm) and build 1-2 day buffers for connections

Local mobile coverage drops during storms - download offline maps for Port Vila and major attractions before arrival, WiFi strongest at Bred Bank and ANZ branches downtown

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking reef snorkeling tours without checking wind forecasts - southeast swells of 2-3m (6-10ft) make outer reef sites inaccessible 60% of March days, operators often substitute less impressive sites

Wearing white or light clothing - red volcanic dust mixed with frequent rain creates permanent stains, dark colors essential for any ground-level activities

Scheduling tight itineraries - afternoon storms regularly delay flights and boat transfers by 2-4 hours, always plan buffer time between activities and inter-island connections