Honiara Weather in May
Solomon Islands · May climate averages and travel tips
In May, Honiara has average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F). The month is very wet, with about 233 mm (9.2 in) of rain spread over 21 days. Humidity averages 84%, so it feels sticky and hotter than the thermometer suggests. You get roughly 11.6 hours of daylight and frequently cloudy skies.
Is May a good time to visit Honiara?
May is not the best time to visit Honiara (3.2/10) mainly because of the rain. The weather is much better in August and September.
Visiting Honiara in May
May weather in Honiara
May stays warm, with highs around 29°C, but rain falls on many days. The air feels sticky, and thick cloud often softens the light. Showers can interrupt a walk, though they don't usually make the whole day a washout.
Honiara's Central Market and the National Museum work well between showers. Keep flexible plans for outdoor sights, and don't count on long, clear beach or hiking days. April is just as wet, while June is noticeably drier.
What to do and what to skip
May's rain can make muddy tracks and make travel beyond town less comfortable. If you're hoping to explore Guadalcanal's battle sites, allow room to change plans after heavy showers. In town, you can duck into the museum or browse the market when the sky opens.
If you hate crowds, May is a quieter choice than the drier months of August and September. It's part of the wetter, less popular season, so accommodation may cost less than in those busier months, though prices vary.
Holidays and local tips
Labour Day falls on May 1 in the Solomon Islands. Some services may close for the public holiday, so don't leave essential errands until that day. There isn't a major May festival in Honiara to plan a trip around.
Travelling with kids? Keep an indoor option handy for sudden downpours. At Central Market, try local fish or seasonal fruit, and bring small Solomon Islands dollar notes for purchases. The market is a useful stop when rain makes outdoor plans tricky, but its busiest hours can feel warm and crowded.
May weather at a glance
| Average high | 29°C (84°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | 26°C (79°F) |
| Daily mean | 27°C (81°F) |
| Rainfall | 233 mm (9.2 in) |
| Rainy days (1 mm+) | 21 |
| Humidity | 84% |
| Cloud cover | 76% |
| Daylight | 11.6 hours |
| Est. sunshine | 3.1 hours/day |
| Wind | 12.2 km/h |
| vs April | About as warm as April, with similar rainfall. |
What to pack for Honiara in May
- light, breathable clothing
- sunscreen and a hat
- an umbrella or rain jacket
Honiara weather in other months
← AprilBest time to visit HoniaraJune →
Better weather in May nearby
- Sydney20°C · 43 mm · Excellent
- Perth21°C · 73 mm · Excellent
- Gold Coast23°C · 74 mm · Excellent
- Adelaide19°C · 49 mm · Excellent
- Kingston21°C · 72 mm · Excellent
- Brisbane23°C · 78 mm · Excellent
Nearby in May
Where else is good in May? See where to go in May.