Things to Do in Vanuatu in November

November Weather in Vanuatu

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Spectacular waterfalls at peak flow - November's rains create dramatic cascades like Mele Cascades and Sekumpul Falls that are merely trickles in dry season
Lush tropical vegetation in full bloom - the landscape is emerald green with flowering trees like flame trees and frangipani at their most vibrant
Lower accommodation rates - November falls in shoulder season with hotel rates 20-30% below July-September peak, especially on outer islands
Perfect diving visibility - post-cyclone season settling creates 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility around Million Dollar Point and SS President Coolidge wreck

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - daily 2-4 hour deluges between 1pm-5pm can disrupt outdoor activities and make unpaved roads impassable
High humidity makes heat feel oppressive - 75% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures creates a 'feels like' temperature of 38°C (100°F)
Some remote island transfers cancelled - rough seas from lingering wet season swells can cancel small boat transfers to outer islands 2-3 days per week

Best Activities in November

Underwater Wreck Diving Tours

November offers exceptional diving conditions as post-wet season currents settle, creating crystal-clear 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility. The SS President Coolidge wreck and Million Dollar Point are at their most spectacular. Water temperature holds steady at 26°C (79°F), and morning dives (7am-11am) avoid afternoon storms entirely.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Morning departure tours (typically 7am start) cost 8,000-12,000 VUV (US$67-100) including equipment. Two-dive packages offer best value. Check current availability in booking section below.

Volcano Hiking Expeditions

Mount Yasur volcano is most active during November's atmospheric pressure changes, creating dramatic lava displays best viewed at sunset. Recent rains make the 45-minute trek up the 361m (1,184 ft) crater challenging but rewarding - the contrast between lush green approaches and glowing lava is stunning. Start climbs by 4pm to reach summit before daily storms.

Booking Tip: Essential to book through licensed guides as volcanic activity monitoring requires expert knowledge. Full-day tours from Port Vila cost 15,000-20,000 VUV (US$125-167). Price includes 4WD transport, park fees, and guide. See current expedition options in booking section below.

Cultural Village Immersion Programs

November coincides with traditional yam harvest celebrations across rural villages. This authentic timing lets you participate in harvest rituals, traditional cooking demonstrations, and ceremonial dances. Morning village visits (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon rains while experiencing daily life during this culturally significant season.

Booking Tip: Book through community-based tourism operators 5-7 days ahead. Half-day village experiences cost 3,000-5,000 VUV (US$25-42) including traditional meal and kava ceremony. Full-day programs with overnight traditional hut stays run 8,000-12,000 VUV (US$67-100). Current programs available through booking widget below.

Waterfall Adventure Tours

November's heavy rains transform Vanuatu's waterfalls into thundering spectacles. Mele Cascades reaches its most dramatic flow, while the 3-tier Millennium Cave waterfall system becomes a powerful rush requiring technical rope work. The 2km (1.2 mile) jungle trek to reach these falls is muddy but manageable with proper footwear.

Booking Tip: Book adventure tour operators with safety equipment and insurance. Half-day waterfall tours cost 4,000-7,000 VUV (US$33-58) including transport and safety gear. Technical caving and waterfall combinations run 10,000-15,000 VUV (US$83-125). Verify current accessibility through booking section below.

Blue Hole Snorkeling Expeditions

The famous blue holes of Espiritu Santo offer perfect snorkeling conditions in November - recent rains create stunning color contrasts between deep blue holes and bright green jungle reflections. Water temperature stays comfortable at 25°C (77°F), and morning tours (8am-1pm) provide calm conditions before afternoon weather changes.

Booking Tip: Full-day blue hole tours including Riri Blue Hole and Nanda Blue Hole typically cost 6,000-9,000 VUV (US$50-75) with snorkel equipment and lunch. Book 3-5 days ahead during low season. Tours combine multiple holes and include traditional lunch. Check current blue hole access in booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Tours

November brings unique seasonal produce to local markets - fresh laplap ingredients, tropical fruits at peak ripeness, and newly harvested root vegetables. Port Vila Market and Luganville Market buzz with activity from 6am-10am before daily heat peaks. This is prime time for authentic cooking class experiences using seasonal ingredients.

Booking Tip: Morning market tours (6am-10am) cost 2,000-4,000 VUV (US$17-33) and include tastings and cooking demonstrations. Combined market and cooking class experiences run 5,000-8,000 VUV (US$42-67). Book through cultural tourism operators for authentic experiences. Current food tour options in booking widget below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November (varies by village)

Yam Harvest Festivals

Traditional village celebrations marking the end of yam growing season. Each village celebrates with ceremonial dances, traditional feasts, and kava ceremonies. Visitors can participate in harvest activities and experience authentic ni-Vanuatu culture during this spiritually significant time.

Mid November

Nalawan Festival

Port Vila's annual cultural festival featuring traditional dance competitions, handicraft displays, and local food vendors. Three-day celebration showcasing cultural heritage from all six provinces with performances, workshops, and community demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof day pack with sealed compartments - afternoon storms dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 2 hours

Quick-dry synthetic clothing (avoid cotton) - 75% humidity means cotton stays wet for hours after storms

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - muddy trails and slippery volcanic rock require serious grip

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 9 reflects off water and white sand, causing severe burns in 15 minutes

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - strong winds during storms make umbrellas useless

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - synthetic materials prevent chafing in high humidity

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - electronics fail quickly in tropical downpours

Anti-chafe balm or powder - essential for walking in humid conditions and wet clothing

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - post-rain mosquito activity peaks at dawn and dusk

Dry bag for important documents - passport, cash, and cards need protection from daily rain exposure

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon thunderstorms are virtually guaranteed and often violent with dangerous lightning

Local 'market trucks' (shared taxis) stop running during heavy rain - always have backup transport arranged or extra VUV for private taxis

November is traditional 'yam time' - joining village harvest activities provides authentic cultural experiences not available to tourists other months

Domestic flights between islands frequently delay due to afternoon storms - book morning flights and allow full-day buffers for international connections

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon volcano tours - Mount Yasur access roads become impassable during daily 1pm-5pm storms, stranding tourists

Bringing only cotton clothing - takes 6+ hours to dry in 75% humidity, leaving travelers uncomfortable and chafed

Planning tight inter-island schedules - weather delays are routine, often cancelling small aircraft and boat transfers for 24-48 hours