Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Sanma, Vanuatu, is characterized by a tropical rainforest climate, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af. Experience warm conditions year-round, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in June to an average of 26°C (78°F). Maximum temperatures peak at around 31°C (87°F) during February, contributing to the region's lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. This consistently warm climate supports a rich biodiversity, making Sanma a key area for ecological research and conservation efforts.
In Sanma, Vanuatu, temperature patterns exhibit a warm tropical climate with minimal seasonal variation. The year begins with January and February showing higher temperatures, with minimums around 24°C (75°F to 76°F) and maximums peaking at 31°C (87°F) in February, indicative of the warmest months. As the year progresses into April and May, temperatures slightly decrease, yet remain consistently warm, with maxima around 29°C (84°F to 85°F). The cooler months arrive in June, July, and August, where minimum temperatures dip to 21°C (71°F), while maximums stabilize at 28°C (82°F to 83°F). The temperatures gradually rise again from September to December, returning to higher levels, with December mirroring the warmth of the earlier months. Overall, Sanma's climate is characterized by a gentle ebb and flow of warmth, contributing to its lush, tropical environment.
In Port-Olry, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in June to a maximum of 29°C (85°F) in April, offering a pleasant tropical climate year-round (monthly temperatures in Port-Olry). In contrast, Luganville experiences a slightly warmer climate, with minimum temperatures of 22°C (71°F) in June and maximums reaching 31°C (87°F) in February (monthly temperatures in Luganville).
Sanma, Vanuatu experiences a distinct seasonal precipitation pattern, with rainfall peaking during the first half of the year. January and February are particularly wet months, receiving 224 mm (8.8 in) and 336 mm (13.2 in) of rainfall, respectively, often over 22 to 23 days. March also remains significantly wet, with 329 mm (13.0 in), contributing to a moist environment that supports the region's lush flora. As the year progresses into April and May, rain totals decrease slightly but still exceed 280 mm (11.0 in).
The dry season arrives in the latter half of the year, with June and July witnessing the least precipitation at 136 mm (5.4 in) and 103 mm (4.1 in), respectively. During this period, rainfall days also decrease, with both months averaging only 18 days of rain. However, precipitation picks up again in August, September, and October, with averages around 146 mm (5.7 in) and a consistent 20 to 25 days of rain. Overall, the pattern reflects a tropical climate that intimately intertwines with the rhythm of wet and dry seasons, shaping the ecological character of Sanma.
Sanma, Vanuatu displays a vibrant pattern of sunshine duration that peaks during the latter part of the year, particularly from October to December. January starts the year with 240 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing through February and March, peaking at 279 hours in March. This upward trend in sunshine continues through April and May, with sunshine hours consistently reaffirming the region's tropical climate. The golden months of October and December stand out with impressive totals of 310 hours and 306 hours, respectively, marking this period as particularly bright and favorable for outdoor activities.
The summer months of June and July maintain a solid average of around 260 to 278 hours of sunshine, demonstrating a slight dip compared to the later months but still ensuring plenty of bright days. Notably, August emerges as one of the sunniest months, with an outstanding 283 hours of sunshine that contributes to the region’s dry season. Overall, the consistent increase in sunshine hours through the year, culminating in the late months, reflects a climatic rhythm that benefits the natural ecosystems and local communities alike in Sanma.
Sanma, Vanuatu experiences a notably high UV Index, particularly from January through March, where it consistently reaches an extreme level of 16. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, these months pose a significant risk for sunburn, necessitating protective measures for residents and visitors alike. As the year progresses into April and May, the UV Index remains elevated at 14 and 11, respectively, continuing to reflect the intensity of sunlight but gradually offering slightly more leeway for outdoor activities.
In the latter half of the year, the UV Index remains strikingly high, notably in August with 12, and peaks again in October and December at 15. August transitions into the dry season, yet the UV Index categorization returns to extreme during this time, indicative of the critical need for protection from sun exposure. With the exception of June and July, when the readings drop to 9 and 10 (categorized as very high), the general trend emphasizes the relentless sun intensity throughout the year. This underscores the importance of UV awareness in Sanma, as prolonged exposure can have serious health implications.
UV Risk Categories
Sanma, Vanuatu, enjoys a consistent pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, with most months averaging around 12 hours of daylight. From January to March, the days remain long and bright, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and natural processes to unfold. As the year progresses into April, May, and the subsequent winter months, daylight gradually decreases to approximately 11 hours. This slight reduction is typical of tropical climates, where seasonal changes in day length are subtle compared to higher latitudes.
From October onward, daylight hours begin to lengthen again, reaching a peak of 13 hours in December, aligning perfectly with the vibrant holiday season and the anticipation of summer. The return to longer daylight in the latter part of the year emphasizes the cyclical nature of the environment in Sanma, positively affecting both local ecosystems and community life. Overall, the consistency in daylight duration, interspersed with minor fluctuations, highlights the stability of Sanma’s tropical climate, providing a favorable backdrop for life in this stunning region.
Luganville, Vanuatu enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 27°C (81°F), with the hottest months being February and March, while July tends to be the coolest. Precipitation peaks in April with 317 mm (12.5 in), contributing to the lush tropical environment, though the driest months are typically July and August. Sunshine is abundant, especially from October to December, boasting over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Luganville climate.
Port-Olry, Vanuatu, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 24°C (76°F) in cooler months to a peak of 26°C (79°F) during the warmer period, with maximum temperatures often reaching 29°C (84°F). The region receives heavy rainfall, particularly from February to April, with February and March recording the highest precipitation at 364 mm (14.3 in) and 349 mm (13.7 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, with October enjoying the most hours at 312, while July typically offers the least at 115 hours. For more details, visit Port-Olry climate.
In conclusion, Sanma, Vanuatu, is characterized by a tropical environment that exhibits striking patterns in climate, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region's consistently warm temperatures, coupled with significant rainfall primarily in the first half of the year, create a lush and vibrant ecosystem that thrives under a balance of sun and moisture. The high UV Index underscores the necessity for sun protection throughout much of the year, particularly during the extreme exposure months. Furthermore, the stable daylight duration enhances the island's ecological rhythms and supports a lifestyle deeply connected to nature. Collectively, these climatic elements not only shape the physical landscape of Sanma but also enrich the cultural and ecological tapestry of this beautiful destination.