Best time to travel to New Caledonia

Choosing the right period for your trip to New Caledonia can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and peak tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Nouvelle-Calédonie

Location

Climate

January 23.6→28.8°C
7.98mm
5:28→18:45
February 24.1→29.2°C
7.56mm
5:46→18:36
March 23.6→28.6°C
6.39mm
5:58→18:13
April 22.5→27.4°C
6.34mm
6:08→17:47
May 20.6→25.7°C
3.56mm
6:19→17:29
June 19.2→24.5°C
2.58mm
6:30→17:25
July 18.1→23.8°C
2.19mm
6:32→17:34
August 17.8→23.9°C
3.59mm
6:17→17:45
September 18.3→25°C
1.8mm
5:52→17:53
October 20→26.3°C
3.15mm
5:25→18:01
November 21.2→27.4°C
4.01mm
5:08→18:16
December 22.9→28.2°C
7.38mm
5:10→18:35
23.6→28.8°C
24.1→29.2°C
23.6→28.6°C
22.5→27.4°C
20.6→25.7°C
19.2→24.5°C
18.1→23.8°C
17.8→23.9°C
18.3→25°C
20→26.3°C
21.2→27.4°C
22.9→28.2°C
Jan 5:28→18:45
Feb 5:46→18:36
Mar 5:58→18:13
Apr 6:08→17:47
May 6:19→17:29
Jun 6:30→17:25
Jul 6:32→17:34
Aug 6:17→17:45
Sep 5:52→17:53
Oct 5:25→18:01
Nov 5:08→18:16
Dec 5:10→18:35
7.98mm
7.56mm
6.39mm
6.34mm
3.56mm
2.58mm
2.19mm
3.59mm
1.8mm
3.15mm
4.01mm
7.38mm
Finding the best time to visit New Caledonia can be crucial to making the most of your stay. Between the major cultural eventsThere are many factors to take into account, including public holidays, and high and low season periods.

The climate in New Caledonia: between hot and cool seasons

Located in the southern hemisphere, New Caledonia enjoys a tropical climate moderated by the Pacific trade winds. Temperatures are pleasant all year round, but there are two main seasons:
  • The hot seasonor austral summer, which runs from November to April with average temperatures of around 25-27°C.
  • The cool seasonor austral winter, which runs from May to October with temperatures around 20-23°C.
There rainy season generally corresponds to the summer period, from December to March, with higher rainfall and high humidity. As for the dry seasonThis is the period between May and October, with a drier climate and slightly cooler temperatures.

Cyclones in New Caledonia

The cyclone season runs from November to April, although January and February are generally considered to be the riskiest months. So it's best to avoid this period when planning your trip, or to keep a close eye on the weather forecast before you leave.

Major cultural events in New Caledonia

Throughout the year, New Caledonia offers a wide range of cultural events that can be an added attraction during your stay. Here are just a few of the highlights:
  • Melanesian Arts Festival Every four years, this event brings together the different Melanesian nations around their culture, with shows, exhibitions and conferences.
  • Beef Festival Païta: held every July in Païta, this popular festival celebrates local gastronomy and honors Caledonian beef.
  • Nouméa Carnival Caledonia: this colorful parade takes place in September and offers a unique opportunity to discover the different communities that make up the Caledonian population.
  • Francofolies de Nouméa This French-language music festival, held in October, brings together local and international artists for a varied program.

Public holidays in New Caledonia

As with any destination, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your stay. In New Caledonia, here are the main dates to remember:
  • January 1st New Year's Day
  • May 1st Labour Day
  • May 8th Commemorating the end of the Second World War
  • July 14th French national holiday
  • August 15th Assumption
  • November 1st : Toussaint
  • November 11th 1918 Armistice
  • December 25 : Christmas
It should also be noted that the September 24 is a public holiday specific to New Caledonia, commemorating the French takeover of the archipelago in 1853.

Low and high season in New Caledonia

Choosing the right time to visit New Caledonia will also depend on fluctuations in tourism. There are generally two seasons:
  • Low seasonwhich runs from October to April, with more attractive prices and fewer visitors.
  • High seasonwhich runs from May to September, with higher prices but a generally more pleasant climate and a greater number of cultural events.
To make the most of your stay in New Caledonia, we recommend that you opt for the austral winter periodThis is the time of year when temperatures are milder and tourist numbers are lower. Nevertheless, don't hesitate to take cultural events and public holidays into account to adapt your schedule and make the most of this unique destination.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Immigration statistics for New Caledonia

New Caledonia's population is made up of various ethnic groups, including Kanaks, Europeans, Wallisians and Futunians. This is partly due to its colonial history and the French presence since the 19th century. Today, New Caledonia attracts many people who wish to live here for professional or family reasons, or simply to enjoy the beauty of this paradise island.

Foreign population trends

According to 2019 census data, the total population of New Caledonia is 271,407, including around 42,000 foreigners, or almost 15% of the population. Nearly half of foreign residents are from metropolitan France, followed by Wallisians and Futunians (20%) and other nationalities (30%). It is important to note that the share of foreigners in the population has fallen slightly in recent years, from 16% in 2014 to 15% in 2019.

Professional and family immigration

Immigration to New Caledonia is mainly linked to professional opportunities and family reunification. Economic sectors such as nickel, tourism and services attract large numbers of foreign workers every year. In addition, many people join their spouses or families already settled on the island. Finally, some international students also choose to pursue their studies in New Caledonia, thanks in particular to the presence of the University of New Caledonia and other higher education institutions.

Most popular visas in New Caledonia

There are different types of visa for entering New Caledonia, depending on the reason for your stay and the length of time you intend to stay. Here are the most popular visa categories:
  • Schengen short-stay visa This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in New Caledonia for a maximum of 90 days out of a 180-day period, without carrying out any professional activity. It is mainly intended for tourists, business travelers and family visitors.
  • Long-stay visa For people wishing to settle in New Caledonia for more than 90 days, this visa is required to work, study or join a spouse. French nationals do not require this visa.
  • Temporary residence permit New Caledonia: after obtaining a long-stay visa, foreigners must apply for a temporary residence permit in order to reside legally in New Caledonia. This card can be issued for various reasons, such as work, job search, training or medical care.
Please note that the procedures for obtaining these visas may vary according to the nationality of the applicant and the type of stay envisaged. It is therefore essential to check with the relevant authorities before planning to travel to or settle in New Caledonia.

International tourism figures for New Caledonia

New Caledonia, with its heavenly beaches, rich culture and pleasant climate, is a popular tourist destination in the Pacific. Here are a few facts about international tourism on the island:

Number of international visitors

According to ISEE (Institut de la statistique et des études économiques), New Caledonia welcomed around 120,000 international visitors in 2019, the majority fromAustralia (31%), from Mainland France (28%) and New Zealand (17%). Other visitors come mainly from Japanand UNITED STATES or other European countries.

Impact of tourism on the local economy

The tourism sector accounts for around 4% of New Caledonia's GDP, and is a major source of revenue for the local economy. Tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and service providers benefit directly from this activity. The development of tourism also creates jobs and supports local crafts.