Best Time to Visit Solomon Islands
The best time to travel to Solomon Islands is during dry season (May to October) and wet season (November to April).
Dry Season in Solomon Islands
Dry season in Solomon Islands is from May to October and is the best time to visit the country. The weather during this time is usually sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. It is the ideal time to explore the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. During this season, visitors can experience a variety of festivals and cultural events, such as the Malaita Cultural Festival, the Guadalcanal Arts Festival, and the Solomon Islands National Day.
Wet Season in Solomon Islands
Wet season in Solomon Islands is from November to April and is a great time to visit the country. The weather during this time is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. It is the ideal time to experience the country’s stunning waterfalls, cascading rivers, and lush jungles. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of festivals and cultural events, such as the Malaita Cultural Festival, the Guadalcanal Arts Festival, and the Solomon Islands National Day.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands in January
Weather
January is the start of the wet season in Solomon Islands, with temperatures ranging from 24-30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is frequent and usually occurs in the afternoon or evening.
Events
- The first week of January is the time of the annual Te Maevarua Festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of the people of Malaita.
- The Solomon Islands National Day is celebrated on the 7th of January.
- The Honiara Marathon is held in January and is a popular event for both locals and tourists.
- The annual Honiara International Music Festival is held in January and features a variety of musical genres from around the world.
- The annual Malaita Cultural Festival is held in January and celebrates the traditional culture of the people of Malaita.
Solomon Islands in January
Weather
January in Solomon Islands is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F). The rainy season is in full swing during this month, and rain showers can be expected on most days.
Events
- The New Year is celebrated in the Solomon Islands with traditional cultural ceremonies and performances.
- The Festival of the Canoe is celebrated in the capital of Honiara. This festival celebrates the traditional seafaring culture of the Solomon Islands with canoe races and other activities.
- The Festival of the Shark is celebrated in the village of Marovo. This festival celebrates the traditional fishing culture of the Solomon Islands with shark fishing competitions and other activities.
- The Festival of the Turtle is celebrated in the village of Gizo. This festival celebrates the traditional sea life of the Solomon Islands with turtle watching and other activities.
- The Festival of the Whale is celebrated in the village of Munda. This festival celebrates the traditional marine life of the Solomon Islands with whale watching and other activities.
Solomon Islands in March
Weather
March is the beginning of the dry season in Solomon Islands. Temperatures range from a low of 23°C (73°F) to a high of 30°C (86°F). The humidity is usually around 80%, and the average monthly rainfall is around 150 mm (6 inches).
Events
- The Solomon Islands National Arts Festival takes place in March, showcasing traditional music, dance, and art from the region.
- The Solomon Islands International Trade Show is held in March, bringing together local and international businesses to promote their products and services.
- The Solomon Islands Marathon is held in March, with participants running a course around the capital city of Honiara.
- The annual Solomon Islands Independence Day celebrations take place in March, with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
- The Solomon Islands National Day of Prayer is held in March, with people of all faiths gathering to pray for the nation.
Solomon Islands in April
Weather
April in Solomon Islands is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22-32°C (71-90°F) and an average humidity of 80%. Rainfall is common throughout the month, with an average of 8-10 days of rain per month.
Events
- The Solomon Islands National Games take place in April, and is a celebration of the country’s culture and sports. The games include traditional sports such as canoe racing, tug-of-war, and coconut husking.
- The annual Easter Festival is held in April, and is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The festival includes traditional singing and dancing, as well as a parade and fireworks display.
- The Festival of the Arts is held in April, and is a celebration of the country’s diverse culture and art. It includes performances by local musicians, traditional dancers, and art exhibitions.
- The annual Honiara Marathon is held in April, and is a popular event for runners from around the world. The marathon includes a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon race.
- The annual Solomon Islands Independence Day is celebrated in April, and is a celebration of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. The day includes a parade, fireworks display, and traditional singing and dancing.
Solomon Islands in May
Weather
May in Solomon Islands is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of 8-10 days of rain.
Events
- The annual Labour Day celebration is held on the 1st of May. This is a public holiday and is celebrated with parades, music, and dancing.
- The annual Tulagi Dive Festival is held in May. This festival celebrates the beauty of the underwater world and includes a variety of activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
- The annual Solomon Islands Cultural Festival is held in May. This festival celebrates the culture of the Solomon Islands, with traditional music, dance, and food.
- The annual Malaita Cultural Festival is held in May. This festival celebrates the culture of the Malaita Province, with traditional music, dance, and food.
- The annual Solomon Islands Independence Day is celebrated on the 7th of May. This public holiday celebrates the independence of the Solomon Islands from the United Kingdom in 1978.
Solomon Islands in June
Weather
June is the start of the dry season in Solomon Islands, with temperatures ranging from 23-30°C (73-86°F). Rainfall is minimal, with an average of only 8mm (0.3in) of rain throughout the month.
Events
- The annual Honiara Music Festival takes place in June, with a variety of local and international acts performing.
- The Solomon Islands National Arts Festival is held in June, showcasing traditional culture and art from all around the country.
- The annual Solomon Islands Marathon takes place in June, with runners taking part in a half marathon, 10k, 5k and 2k race.
- The annual Malaita Cultural Festival is held in June, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Malaita Province.
- The annual Honiara International Film Festival is held in June, showcasing a variety of local and international films.
Solomon Islands in July
Weather
July in the Solomon Islands is usually a warm and humid month. Temperatures range from 24-30°C (75-86°F) with high humidity. Rainfall is common, with an average of 10-12 days of rain per month.
Events
- The annual Honiara Cultural Festival is held in July. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Solomon Islands, with traditional music, dance, and art.
- The Solomon Islands National Games are held in July every four years. This event brings together athletes from all over the Solomon Islands to compete in various sports.
- The annual Honiara Music Festival is held in July. This festival features local and international musicians, as well as traditional Solomon Island music.
- The annual Honiara International Film Festival is held in July. This festival showcases films from around the world, with a focus on films from the Pacific region.
- The annual Solomon Islands Independence Day celebrations are held in July. This event celebrates the independence of the Solomon Islands from British rule in 1978.
Solomon Islands in August
Weather
August is the beginning of the dry season in Solomon Islands, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of just over 100mm of rain during the month.
Events
- The annual Independence Day celebrations take place on the 7th of August. This is a public holiday and is celebrated with parades, music, and traditional dancing.
- The Honiara International Marathon is held on the 15th of August. This event attracts runners from around the world and is an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the island.
- The annual Malaita Cultural Festival is held in August. This event celebrates the culture and traditions of the Malaita people, with traditional dancing, music, and food.
- The annual Solomon Islands Arts Festival is held in August. This event showcases the best of Solomon Islands art, music, and culture.
- The annual Solomon Islands National Music Festival is held in August. This event showcases the best of Solomon Islands music, with performances from local and international artists.
Solomon Islands in September
Weather
September in Solomon Islands is the beginning of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C. Humidity levels are usually high, and rainfall is minimal.
Events
- The National Peace Conference is held in September, bringing together stakeholders from the government, civil society, and the private sector to discuss the peace and security of Solomon Islands.
- The Solomon Islands National Games is held in September, bringing together athletes from all over the country to compete in various sports.
- The annual Solomon Islands Cultural Festival is held in September, showcasing the culture and heritage of the Solomon Islands.
- The Honiara International Marathon is held in September, attracting runners from all over the world to compete in the race.
- The Solomon Islands Independence Day is celebrated in September, commemorating the day the country gained independence from Britain in 1978.
Solomon Islands in October
Weather
October in Solomon Islands is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. Rainfall is common, with an average of 11 days of rain during the month.
Events
- The Solomon Islands National Arts Festival is held in October, typically on the second or third week of the month. This event celebrates the culture and heritage of the Solomon Islands with music, dance, art, and food.
- The Solomon Islands Surf Festival is held in October, usually on the last weekend of the month. This event celebrates the surfing culture of the Solomon Islands with competitions, music, and food.
- The Solomon Islands Independence Day is celebrated on 7th October. This event celebrates the independence of the Solomon Islands from the United Kingdom in 1978.
- The Solomon Islands National Day is celebrated on 11th October. This event celebrates the formation of the Solomon Islands as a nation in 1978.
- The Solomon Islands National Sports Festival is held in October. This event celebrates the sporting culture of the Solomon Islands with competitions, music, and food.
Solomon Islands in November
Weather
November in Solomon Islands is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. The average temperature is around 26°C (79°F), and the average humidity is around 80%. Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of around 250mm (10 inches) of rain.
Events
- The Solomon Islands National Arts Festival is held in November each year. This festival celebrates the culture and art of the Solomon Islands, with performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
- The Honiara Marathon is held in November each year. This is a popular event that attracts runners from all over the world.
- The Solomon Islands Independence Day is celebrated on 7th November each year. This day commemorates the independence of the Solomon Islands from Britain in 1978.
- The World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21st November each year. This day celebrates the importance of the fishing industry to the Solomon Islands.
- The Honiara International Music Festival is held in November each year. This festival features performances by local and international musicians.
Solomon Islands in December
Weather
December in Solomon Islands is marked by warm temperatures and high humidity. The average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius and there is usually a light breeze. Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of about 200mm.
Events
- The National Arts Festival is held in Honiara in December. This event features traditional Solomon Islander art, music, dance, and food.
- The Honiara Christmas Festival is held in December. This event includes a parade, live music, and a carnival.
- The Solomon Islands National Games are held in December. This event features traditional sports such as canoe racing, spear throwing, and coconut tree climbing.
- The Honiara Marathon is held in December. This event is open to both local and international runners.
- The Solomon Islands International Film Festival is held in December. This event showcases films from around the world.