Best Time to Visit Honiara

Two seasons, both warm and damp

Honiara sits just south of the equator, so temperatures barely move. It's about 29°C by day and 25–26°C at night all year. What changes is the rain. From December to March it pours, often on more than 23 days a month. Skies stay grey, the air feels thick, and storms can roll in fast. Cyclones are possible in this stretch, so keep an eye on forecasts.

From about June to October it's drier, though "dry" is relative. Rain still falls on most days, but it comes in shorter showers. August and September are the best months in our comfort score, and September is the driest at 112 mm. Our ratings call every month Poor, so expect humidity whenever you go.

Which month for which trip

Diving and snorkelling are the big draw here. The Iron Bottom Sound wrecks off Honiara are a famous World War II dive site. Visibility is usually better when there's less runoff, so August to October is a good bet.

If you want to see the war history on land, try the same months. The US memorial on Skyline Ridge and the Vilu War Museum, west of town, are easier when the ground isn't soaked. Walking the Mataniko Falls trail is also better when the path is less muddy.

Hoping for a bargain? The wet months are quieter, but flights and boat trips to the outer islands can be delayed. Not great if you're on a tight schedule.

Crowds and events

Honiara never gets truly crowded. It's a working capital, not a resort town, so there's no sharp high season. The drier months see a few more divers and visitors, and that's about it.

The big date is 7 July, Independence Day. Expect parades, music and a festive mood around town, so July is a fun time to be here. The Central Market near the waterfront is lively all year. Go there for fresh fish, taro (a starchy root) and tropical fruit.

Travelling with kids? The Solomon Islands school holidays tend to bring more local families onto ferries and flights around mid-year and at Christmas. Leave extra time if you're heading to other islands then.