We are often asked what is the best time to marry in the tropics. It is a tricky question to answer. The weather is can be hard to predict in any part of the world these days!
In general, November to March are the hotter and more humid months but the weather isn’t oppressive and isn’t as extreme as temperatures can be in Australia in summer. I had an email from a Sydney-based bride earlier this year asking about the weather in Vanuatu. I ran a Bureau of Meteorology check – that day the temperature in Port Vila was 20 to 27 degrees with 56% humidity and the weather in Sydney was 20 to 27 degrees with 57% humidity! And Queensland had a cyclone that week which was followed by floods in Townsville… And this last December week has seen record temperatures across Australia well into the 40’s while in Vanuatu it has been a top of 31 to 32.
Our family lived in Vanuatu for three years and we didn’t have air-conditioning – ceiling fans and breezes off the lagoon were all we needed for comfort in summer. There is a saying in Vanuatu, “Whatever the weather, have a nice day” and, in the Cook Islands, they call rain ‘liquid sunshine’ because it can be sunny all day apart from one short downpour in the afternoon.
I wouldn’t base a date decision on weather or the potential for a cyclone – we can’t control Mother Nature BUT ask the resorts about their wet weather back-up contingency. I would also consider peak and non-peak periods. Travelling outside school holidays will usually give cheaper flights, more chances of accommodation specials, maybe wedding package bonuses/incentives (and certainly fewer children on the ground or in the pool!).
February can be a tough month for resorts because it falls between the peak periods of Christmas/New Year and Easter. One resort in Vanuatu closes in February to give staff annual holidays and do annual refurbishments and another offers free weddings as an incentive to couples inviting guests.
Photography: Andrew Read (Vanuatu brides)