Wallis (island)

Island Main island of Wallis and Futuna with volcanic terrain

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Wallis (often called Uvea in the local Polynesian language) is the main island of the Wallis and Futuna French overseas collectivity in the South Pacific. It is the most populous of the territory’s islands and the seat of the collectivity’s administration.

Settlement is concentrated around coastal villages and the principal town, which contains government offices, a cathedral and the main harbour. The island’s landscape is volcanic with a coastal reef and lagoon in many areas, supporting fishing and subsistence agriculture.

Wallis entered European records in the 18th century and later became part of France’s overseas territories; local chiefly systems and customary institutions continue to operate alongside French administration. Throughout the 20th century the island remained small-scale in development and retains traditional cultural practices.

Wallis lies in the South Pacific Ocean east of Fiji and north of Tonga, forming the northeastern part of the Wallis and Futuna collectivity; the island cluster is administered from the main town on Wallis.

  • Administrative centre: The island hosts the chief town and administrative centre of the territory, with the main harbour and government buildings located on the northern coast.
Wallis (island)
Wallis (Uvea), Wallis and Futuna
-13.2819, -176.2066

How to Get to Wallis (island) #

Wallis (Uvea) is the main island of Wallis and Futuna. Travel is by air to Wallis (Hihifo/Mata-Utu); scheduled flights operate from New Caledonia (Nouméa) and occasionally from Fiji-air service is infrequent, so confirm current schedules. On arrival at Hihifo/Mata-Utu airport you can use local roads and taxis to reach settlements and coastal sites.

Tips for Visiting Wallis (island) #

  • Plan visits during the island's drier months (roughly May-October) when sea conditions are calmer and local boat services are more reliable.
  • Base yourself in Mata-Utu to access cultural sites and services-most government offices, markets and main ports are located near the capital on Wallis (Uvea).
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting villages and churches; many travelers miss the island's cultural ceremonies and local handicrafts if they stick only to coastal sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit Wallis (island) #

The dry season (May-October) is generally the best time to visit Wallis for more reliable sunshine and outdoor activities.

Dry season (best for outdoor activities)
May-October · 24-27°C
Drier, sunnier conditions ideal for beaches and outdoor tourism across Wallis island.
Wet / cyclone season
November-April · 24-30°C
Warmer with heavier rainfall and an increased risk of tropical cyclones; travel conditions and services may be affected.

Weather & Climate near Wallis (island) #

Climate

Wallis (island)'s climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3022 mm/year), wettest in January.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (405 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

405 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (288 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

288 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (370 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

370 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (276 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

276 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (217 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

217 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 28°

Weather

138 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 28°

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (181 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

181 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (288 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

288 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (236 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

236 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (299 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

299 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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