Best time to visit

The best time to visit Melanesia is during the dry season, which varies slightly across the region but generally falls between May and October. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less rain and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, diving, and exploring cultural sites. The wet season, from November to April, brings heavy rains and the risk of cyclones, which can disrupt travel plans and make some areas less accessible.

What to expect

Currency: Fijian Dollar (FJD), Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD), Vanuatu Vatu (VUV), New Caledonia: CFP Franc (XPF)

Safety: Generally, Melanesia is a safe region for travelers, but it is important to take standard precautions. Fiji: Popular tourist areas are safe, but petty crime can occur. Natural hazards include cyclones. Solomon Islands: Political instability and natural hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis are concerns. Vanuatu: Known for its friendly locals, but visitors should be aware of active volcanoes and cyclones. New Caledonia: Generally safe, with a lower crime rate, but petty theft can occur. Cyclones are also a risk.

Cuisine: Melanesian cuisine is rich and varied, relying heavily on locally sourced ingredients like root vegetables, seafood, and tropical fruits.

Melanesia: This subregion of Oceania includes countries such as Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, each with its unique cultural and geographical characteristics.

Language: Melanesia is linguistically diverse, with hundreds of languages spoken across the region.

Fiji: English (official), Fijian, and Hindi.

Solomon Islands: English (official), Solomons Pijin (a creole language), and over 70 indigenous languages.

Vanuatu: Bislama (a creole language), English, and French (all official), plus over 100 local languages.

New Caledonia: French (official), with Melanesian languages like Drehu, Nengone, and Paici spoken in specific regions.