Things to Do in Vanuatu in May

May Weather in Vanuatu

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

120 mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect visibility for underwater activities - the dry season keeps ocean clarity at its peak with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility around reefs
Shoulder season pricing means 20-30% lower accommodation rates compared to peak July-August, with better availability at premium resorts
Consistent trade winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) make sailing conditions ideal and keep temperatures comfortable during midday activities
Cultural festivals are in full swing - May marks the beginning of traditional kastom dance season with village performances most weekends

Considerations

Daily afternoon showers between 2-4 PM can interrupt outdoor activities, though they're brief and intense rather than all-day rain
Humidity peaks at 85% during morning hours, making early hiking more challenging until the trade winds pick up around 10 AM
Some outer island flights get cancelled 1-2 days per week due to wind conditions, requiring flexible scheduling for multi-island trips

Best Activities in May

Volcano hiking and lava viewing tours

May's clear skies and stable weather patterns provide the best conditions for viewing Mount Yasur's lava fountains. The dry season means accessible trails and minimal flight cancellations to Tanna Island. Evening temperatures of 23°C (73°F) make the 3-hour round trip hike comfortable, with spectacular visibility of the lava glow.

Booking Tip: Book volcano tours 2-3 weeks ahead as May is prime viewing season. Tours typically cost 15,000-20,000 VUV ($130-175) including flights from Port Vila. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and safety equipment. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Reef diving and snorkeling expeditions

May delivers peak underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) with calm seas and minimal rain runoff affecting coral health. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), perfect for extended dives. This is mating season for many fish species, creating spectacular underwater activity around the reefs.

Booking Tip: Diving packages range 8,000-12,000 VUV ($70-105) for two-tank dives. Book certified PADI operators 10-14 days ahead. Equipment rental adds 2,000-3,000 VUV ($18-26). See current diving tour options in the booking widget below.

Cultural village immersion experiences

May coincides with traditional harvest celebrations and the beginning of kastom dance season. Villages are most welcoming during this abundant time, with frequent ceremonies and authentic cultural displays. Cooler evening temperatures make overnight village stays comfortable at 20-22°C (68-72°F).

Booking Tip: Village experiences cost 5,000-8,000 VUV ($45-70) per day including meals and accommodation in traditional bungalows. Book through certified cultural tourism operators 1-2 weeks ahead. Prices include kava ceremonies and traditional meal preparation. Find current cultural tours in the booking section.

Blue hole and waterfall adventures

May's moderate rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing without creating dangerous flood conditions. The famous blue holes maintain their brilliant azure color due to minimal sediment runoff. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 2-3 hour hikes to remote swimming spots pleasant before afternoon humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Blue hole tours typically cost 6,000-9,000 VUV ($52-78) including transport and guide. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed guides with proper safety equipment. Swimming is best before 2 PM to avoid afternoon showers. Check current tour options below.

Sailing and island hopping charters

May's consistent 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) trade winds create ideal sailing conditions with minimal risk of cyclones. Clear weather windows between brief showers allow for reliable inter-island travel. Calm anchorages and excellent visibility make this perfect for exploring remote atolls and pristine beaches.

Booking Tip: Day sailing charters range 12,000-18,000 VUV ($105-157) for 6-8 person boats. Multi-day charters cost 25,000-35,000 VUV ($218-305) per day. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best vessel selection. Look for operators with proper safety equipment and weather monitoring. See current charter options in booking section.

Helicopter scenic flights and aerial tours

May's stable weather patterns and excellent visibility create perfect conditions for aerial photography and sightseeing. Clear morning skies before 2 PM provide stunning views of volcanic activity, coral reefs, and uninhabited islands. Minimal turbulence during morning flights makes this ideal for less experienced flyers.

Booking Tip: Helicopter tours cost 15,000-25,000 VUV ($130-218) for 30-45 minute flights. Book morning departures (8-11 AM) for best weather conditions. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead as May is popular for aerial tours. Choose operators with recent safety certifications. Find current helicopter tours in the booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Vanuatu Cultural Festival

Annual celebration featuring traditional music, dance, and handicrafts from all six provinces. Local artisans demonstrate wood carving, weaving, and traditional cooking methods. Evening performances include authentic kastom dances rarely seen by visitors.

Late May

Port Vila International Fishing Tournament

Week-long sport fishing competition attracting international anglers. Even non-participants can enjoy the daily weigh-ins, fresh seafood markets, and evening celebrations at the waterfront. Local restaurants offer special menus featuring tournament catches.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - afternoon humidity reaches 85% and trail conditions can be muddy after brief 20-30 minute showers

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index hits 8 even on partly cloudy days, and regular sunscreen damages Vanuatu's coral reefs

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - daily afternoon showers are intense but brief, and plastic ponchos trap too much heat in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case - essential for blue hole swimming and boat transfers where water exposure is inevitable

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic fabrics that become uncomfortable in morning humidity before trade winds arrive

Sturdy water shoes with grip - volcanic rocks around hot springs and reef walking require protection and traction on wet surfaces

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - evening mosquito activity increases with May's moderate rainfall, especially near freshwater areas

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain jackets for brief afternoon showers and provides sun protection during midday UV peaks

Dry bags in multiple sizes - protect electronics, documents, and spare clothes during boat transfers and water activities

Light fleece or long sleeves - evening temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) in highlands and can feel cool after warm daytime activities

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for morning departures - afternoon wind patterns cause 60% more flight delays and cancellations after 2 PM, especially to outer islands

Village visits are most rewarding on weekends in May when extended families gather for traditional ceremonies and children are home from school to participate in cultural demonstrations

ATMs in Port Vila are frequently empty on Fridays before weekends - withdraw VUV early in the week as many outer islands operate on cash-only basis

The 2-hour afternoon quiet time (12:30-2:30 PM) is when locals rest during peak heat and humidity - plan indoor activities or relaxation during this period rather than fighting the climate

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4 PM when afternoon showers are most likely - morning activities from 8-11 AM offer the best weather windows

Underestimating ferry journey times between islands - May's wind conditions can extend scheduled 1-hour trips to 2+ hours with rough seas

Packing only summer clothes without considering highland temperatures that drop to 15°C (59°F) on Mount Yasur evening tours