The dry season — May to October — is the best time to visit. Temperatures hover around 24–28°C, humidity drops, and the trade winds keep things pleasant.
The wet season (November to April) is hotter and wetter, with the risk of cyclones from January through March. Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Cyclone Harold in 2020 both did serious damage. Outside the worst storms the rain is mostly short tropical bursts and the islands are noticeably greener.
Independence Day (30 July) is the country's biggest celebration; the Fest'Napuan music festival in Port Vila in October brings together musicians from across the Pacific.