The climate of Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo, part of
Vanuatu, falls under the Tropical Rainforest (Af) category of Köppen climate classification. This means that it's generally typified by high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year, while its geographical position in the Pacific Ocean creates a steady tropical climate with minimal seasonal variation.
Moving into a deeper analysis, a consistent pattern through the year reveals overall high temperatures that hover between 27°C (80.6°F) and 30°C (86°F) and low temperatures within the 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall shows a fluctuating trend, though remaining significant with the lowest volume in
August at 173mm (6.81") and peaking in
March with 376mm (14.8"). Also observable is the higher frequency of rainfall days between the months of
January to March, ranging from 19 to 21 days followed by a decline to about 15 to 16 days between
July to
November.
A distinguishing feature of Espiritu Santo's climate is the prominent UV index, which maintains at 12 during the first three months and last three months of the year, and reaches the lowest value of 7 in
June. Sea temperatures are constantly warm, fluctuating between 27°C (80.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), making the coastal region a preferred choice for various water activities. The daylight and sunshine hours display a slight variation across the year, with sunlight hours staying constant at approximately 7 hours and daylight hours showing a variance from 11.2 hours in June to 13 hours in
December.
The best time to visit Espiritu Santo
Considering the weather conditions, the best time for a visit to
Espiritu Santo would arguably be between
July and
October. During these months, the island experiences temperate weather with high temperatures ranging from 27°C (80.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and low temperatures around 20°C (68°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). These months have a relatively low rainfall, varying from 173mm (6.81") to 199mm (7.83") and a reduced number of rainy days (15 to 16 days). UV index levels are moderate, and sea temperatures are a comfortable 27°C (80.6°F), catering perfectly to sunbathing and water-based activities.
The worst time to visit Espiritu Santo
Visiting
Espiritu Santo between
January and
March might require extra precautions as these months register the highest rainfall numbers, up to 334-376mm (-14.8") with 19-21 rainy days and a higher UV index of 12. This period also presents one of the highest temperatures, fluctuating from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), potentially causing discomfort while participating in outdoor activities. However, the warm sea temperatures of 29°C (84.2°F) also provide opportunities for water-related entertainment.
Spring weather in Espiritu Santo
In
Espiritu Santo, between
September and
November, springtime sees average high temperatures of 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and lows between 21°C (69.8°F) and 22°C (71.6°F). As this period coincides with the end of the drier months, rainfall can be expected to range from 182mm (7.17") in
October to 236mm (9.29") in November. The sea temperature stays at a comfortable 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while daylight hours expand from 12 to 12.8 hours, offering plenty of time for sightseeing and outdoor exploration.
Summer weather in Espiritu Santo
Summer in
Espiritu Santo, which spans across
December to
February, showcases the warmest temperatures in terms of both high and low averages. Moreover, the season experiences one of the most significant rainfalls ranging from 301mm (11.85") to 334mm (13.15"). During this time, the UV index soars to 12, requiring additional protective measures for skin safety. Yet, one can make the most of the warm sea temperatures at 29°C (84.2°F) and 12.6 to 12.9 daylight hours.
Autumn weather in Espiritu Santo
The autumn season in
Espiritu Santo falls between
March and
May. At this time, high temperatures backtrack slightly from 30°C (86°F) (in March) to 28°C (82.4°F) (in May) with lows from 23°C (73.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). It's noteworthy that rainfall peaks in March at 376mm (14.8") and waters down to 217mm (8.54") by May. As this period of moderate temperature coincides with lengthy daylight hours and a steady sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), it presents excellent conditions for sightseeing and water activities.
Winter weather in Espiritu Santo
Winter in
Espiritu Santo runs from
June to
August. During these months, the temperatures register as some of the lowest of the year, oscillating from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) (high) and 20°C (68°F) to 21°C (69.8°F) (low). Furthermore, visitors can expect less rainfall, with the volume fluctuating from 179mm (7.05") to 194mm (7.64") across these months. The UV index dips to 7-8 during this season, providing a relative reprieve from intense solar exposure. The sea temperature remains steady at 27°C (80.6°F), and daylight hours are also at their shortest, thus making it an excellent time to participate in various light activities and relaxation.
Weather in January
January, being a part of
Espiritu Santo's rainy season, boasts a rich supply of rainfall. In comparison to the previous month, the weather conditions remain fairly stable. The weather can be described as both hot and wet, providing the region with a lush and thriving environment.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings with it a similar weather pattern to
January in
Espiritu Santo. Rainfall and temperature remain generally unchanged, promoting the continuation of a warm, tropical climate. With a slight decline in rainfall to 301mm (11.85"), residents might experience a minor relief.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March, in comparison to
February, experiences slight fluctuations. These variations, nonetheless, contribute to the richness and diversity of the climate in
Espiritu Santo. Contrasting the previous month, March experiences a surge in total rainfall count rising to 376mm (14.8"), making it the wettest month in the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies a substantial deviation from the profuse rainfall trend in
Espiritu Santo. A decline on the temperature scale can also be reflected on as April unfolds. Compared to
March, April tends to be drier with the total rainfall decreasing noticeably to 253mm (9.96").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings forth a transition from high to middle rainfall season, allowing for more dry periods in
Espiritu Santo. As opposed to the previous month, May could be slightly cooler welcoming temperatures of around 28°C (82.4°F). A decrease in rainfall surfaces in May as the average rainfall count falls to 217mm (8.54").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is indicative of a more measured weather pattern in
Espiritu Santo. A decline in temperature along with significant reduction in daylight hours is noted. The city welcomes a relatively drier climate with the total rainfall dropping down moderately to 179mm (7.05").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents minor adjustments in the weather pattern in
Espiritu Santo. In comparison to
June, rainfall measures constant building the city's remarkable resilience against climate variations. The tropical climate represented by a mean temperature of 27°C (80.6°F) encourages the city's thriving environment.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August deploys marginal changes from its predecessor in its weather structure. A minor upswing in rain throughout August contributes to the city's weather dynamics. The average rainfall changes subtly, peaking to 173mm (6.81") this month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September exhibits only incremental shifts as compared to
August's weather pattern. A trifling increase in rainfall registrants, with numbers barely reaching 199mm (7.83") solidifies the region's lush and thriving landscapes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October posits minor variances in its weather pattern compared to
September. With the daylight hours continuing their ascend reaching 12.4 on an average,
Espiritu Santo experiences longer sunny periods. Meanwhile, rainfall steadies in contrast to the previous month, with a total count just touching 182mm (7.17").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November unfolds a minor surge in the weather activity as compared to
October. Despite the slight leap in the quantity of rainfall reaching 236mm (9.29"), the city's tropical charm is retained. The rise in daylight hours to an average of 12.8, ensures
Espiritu Santo continues to enjoy lengthy periods of sunshine.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings moderate increase in precipitation compared to
November in
Espiritu Santo. The warm weather scenario is evident all round, as temperatures tend to orbit around 29°C (84.2°F) indicating high heat levels. Total daylight hours achieve their peak average of 13 hours daily, marking the zenith of the solar climb.
Weather in December » [Resources]