Things to Do in Vanuatu in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Vanuatu
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll typically save 20-30% on accommodations compared to July-August peak season, with plenty of availability even if you book just 2-3 weeks out
- Ocean visibility for diving and snorkeling peaks at 25-30 m (82-98 ft) as the dry season settles in, making November arguably the best month for underwater activities around Espiritu Santo and Tanna
- Temperatures hover in that comfortable 23-29°C (73-84°F) range where you're warm enough for beach days but not dealing with the oppressive heat of January-March, and the humidity at 70% is actually manageable
- Kastom village ceremonies and traditional celebrations ramp up as communities prepare for the festive season, giving you authentic cultural experiences without the tourist crowds that descend in December
Considerations
- You're still getting about 10 rainy days with 150 mm (5.9 inches) of rainfall, though these tend to be short afternoon downpours rather than all-day washouts, so you'll need flexibility in your daily plans
- Some outer island flights can be unreliable when weather systems roll through, and Air Vanuatu's domestic schedule gets disrupted more frequently than you'd like, so build buffer days into inter-island connections
- The trade winds pick up strength in November, which is great for sailing but means some western-facing beaches get choppy conditions and beach resorts on Efate's western side can feel windier than ideal
Best Activities in November
Espiritu Santo diving and snorkeling expeditions
November offers genuinely exceptional underwater visibility as the ocean settles after the dry season transition. The SS President Coolidge wreck sits in 21-70 m (69-230 ft) of water with visibility often exceeding 25 m (82 ft), and Million Dollar Point's submerged WWII equipment becomes incredibly clear. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), so you'll be comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit. The coral spawning has finished by November, meaning the water clarity is outstanding and marine life is active. Champagne Beach and the blue holes on Santo are at their most photogenic with calm conditions and that electric blue color really popping in the clear water.
Mount Yasur volcano night viewing
November sits right in the sweet spot for Yasur activity levels, typically showing consistent Strombolian eruptions without the access restrictions that happen during higher-alert periods. The volcano sits at 361 m (1,184 ft) elevation, and November's drier conditions mean the 150 m (492 ft) approach path from the parking area is less muddy than wet season months. Night viewing is genuinely spectacular as you'll see the red lava bombs arcing against the dark sky, and November's earlier sunset around 6pm means you don't have to wait until 8pm like you would in summer. The ash rim gets windy, so you'll appreciate the slightly cooler November temperatures while standing at the crater edge.
Port Vila market and kava bar cultural circuits
November brings the start of mango season and you'll find the freshest island produce at Port Vila Market, which operates Tuesday through Saturday with the biggest selection on Friday and Saturday mornings from 6am-11am. The market sits right on the waterfront and locals are selling tuluk, island cabbage, and whatever's just come in from the outer islands. For kava, November's comfortable temperatures make the evening nakamal experience more pleasant since you're not sweating through your shirt while drinking. Kava bars open around 5pm and the traditional protocol is still observed, men and women drink in separate areas at most nakamals, though tourist-friendly spots are more relaxed. A shell of kava runs 100-200 VUV.
Mele Cascades and coastal waterfall swimming
November's rainfall keeps the waterfalls flowing nicely without the heavy volume that makes swimming dangerous in peak wet season. Mele Cascades sits about 12 km (7.5 miles) northwest of Port Vila with a 20-minute walk through tropical forest to reach the main falls. The water temperature stays refreshing at around 24°C (75°F), and November's conditions mean the pools are clear rather than muddy. The 35 m (115 ft) cascade creates natural swimming holes at different levels, and you'll often have the upper pools to yourself if you arrive early. Other accessible waterfalls include Ekasup Cultural Village's smaller cascades and the more remote Loru Rainforest falls if you're willing to do the 45-minute trek.
Traditional kastom village experiences
November is actually an interesting time for kastom village visits because communities are preparing for the Christmas period and you'll see more traditional food preparation and craft-making than during quieter months. Ekasup Cultural Village on Efate and the kastom villages on Tanna offer the most accessible experiences where you'll see traditional cooking methods, custom dancing, and daily village life. The performances aren't staged for tourists in the negative sense, these are genuine cultural practices that communities maintain and share. November's weather means outdoor demonstrations happen reliably without rain interruptions. You'll learn about traditional governance systems, land ownership customs, and see crafts like basket weaving and wood carving in practice.
Sailing and island-hopping charters
November's strengthening trade winds create ideal sailing conditions around the Efate ring and between islands. The winds typically blow 12-18 knots from the southeast, perfect for comfortable sailing without the light air frustrations of wet season months. Day charters to offshore islands like Pele, Moso, or Lelepa take advantage of these conditions, and the seas are generally 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) swells, manageable for most people. Water clarity for snorkeling stops along the way is excellent in November. Sunset sails around Port Vila harbor benefit from the earlier 6pm sunset, so you're not waiting until dark to see the colors. Multi-day charters to the Shepherd Islands or down to Tanna are weather-feasible in November with proper planning.
November Events & Festivals
Vanuatu Agricultural Show
Usually held in mid-November at Port Vila's showgrounds, this is the country's largest agricultural exhibition where outer island communities showcase produce, livestock, and traditional crafts. You'll see island competitions for largest yams, traditional cooking demonstrations, and kastom performances from different island groups. It's genuinely local-focused rather than tourist-oriented, which makes it more interesting. Entry is typically 500 VUV and it runs for 3-4 days.