Things to Do in Honiara in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Honiara
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Manageable rainfall pattern - December sits right between the wettest months (January-March) and gives you about 10 rainy days spread across the month, typically short afternoon downpours rather than day-long washouts. You'll actually get more clear mornings than not, which is perfect for planning outdoor activities early.
- School holiday crowds haven't hit yet - Most Australian and New Zealand families wait until late December for their summer holidays, so early to mid-December sees noticeably fewer tourists at major sites like the Central Market and Guadalcanal American Memorial. Accommodation prices typically run 15-20% lower than the Christmas week spike.
- Comfortable water temperatures for diving and snorkeling - The ocean sits around 28-29°C (82-84°F) in December, which means you can spend hours in the water without getting cold. Visibility tends to improve as the month progresses, often reaching 20-25 m (65-82 ft) at sites around Tulagi and the Florida Islands.
- Fresh produce season peaks at local markets - December marks the height of mango season and you'll find the Central Market overflowing with ngali nuts, island cabbage, and the sweetest pineapples you've ever tasted. Local fishing is also excellent this time of year, so the fish markets have incredible variety.
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon weather patterns - While mornings tend to be clear, afternoons can turn quickly. That 70% humidity combined with sudden cloud buildup means you might plan a beach afternoon only to have it cut short by a squall. The variability is the tricky part - some days you'll get nothing, others might see 30-40 mm (1.2-1.6 inches) in an hour.
- Limited indoor entertainment options during wet weather - Honiara doesn't have the museum infrastructure or shopping mall culture of other Pacific capitals. When it does rain, your backup options are basically your hotel, a handful of cafes, or the small National Museum. If you're traveling with kids or need structured indoor activities, this can be challenging.
- High UV exposure requires constant sun protection - That UV index of 8 is no joke, and with variable cloud cover you can't rely on overcast skies for protection. You'll burn in under 20 minutes without sunscreen, and the reflected light off the water makes it even more intense during boat trips.
Best Activities in December
Guadalcanal WWII Historical Site Tours
December's weather actually works perfectly for exploring the inland battlefields and memorials. Morning temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C (low-to-mid 70s°F) make the jungle trails around Mount Austen and the Gifu positions comfortable for hiking, and you'll typically have until 2-3pm before afternoon showers roll in. The vegetation is lush but not overgrown like it gets in the wettest months, so you can actually see the remaining bunkers, artillery pieces, and crash sites clearly. Most tours run 4-6 hours and cover 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) of mixed terrain.
Bonegi Beach Wreck Diving and Snorkeling
The two Japanese freighter wrecks at Bonegi I and II are at their most accessible in December. Water visibility improves as the month progresses, often hitting 18-22 m (59-72 ft) by mid-month, and the calmer seas between weather systems make for easier boat access and safer shore entries. The wrecks sit in 10-30 m (33-98 ft) of water, so snorkelers can explore the shallower sections while divers go deeper. December water temps mean you'll be comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit or even just a rashguard for snorkeling. Morning dives are best - the light angles are perfect for photography and you avoid afternoon chop.
Central Market Cultural Exploration
December is genuinely one of the best months to experience the Central Market because the produce variety peaks and the morning energy is incredible. Get there by 7am when fishing boats are still unloading and you'll see tuna, wahoo, and reef fish being butchered right on the tables. The fruit section explodes with mangoes, pineapples, and pawpaw in December, and you'll find local women selling fresh coconut cream, island cabbage, and cassava prepared a dozen different ways. The craft section has traditional shell money, woven baskets, and wood carvings - prices are negotiable but expect to pay 50-200 SBD for small items, 500-2,000 SBD for quality carvings. Plan 2-3 hours minimum.
Island Hopping to Savo Island and Tulagi
December's weather windows between rain systems create excellent conditions for day trips to nearby islands. Savo Island, an active volcano about 35 km (22 miles) northwest, offers megapode bird watching, hot springs, and traditional village visits. Tulagi, the former capital, has incredible WWII history and some of the best diving in the Solomons. The seas tend to be calmer in early morning, and most operators won't run trips if swells exceed 1.5 m (5 ft). December gives you a decent shot at calm conditions, though you need to be flexible with dates - book your island trips for early in your stay so you have backup days if weather doesn't cooperate.
Mataniko Falls and Village Trekking
The 3-4 hour trek to Mataniko Falls through local villages gives you a genuine slice of Solomon Islands life, and December's water levels are actually ideal - high enough that the falls are impressive but not so swollen that river crossings become dangerous. You'll walk through several villages where kids will likely join you for parts of the journey, cross the river 4-5 times (water usually knee-to-thigh deep), and end at a beautiful waterfall with a cave behind it. The morning start is crucial in December - you want to complete the trek before afternoon storms potentially raise water levels. Total distance is about 8 km (5 miles) round trip with moderate difficulty.
Tenaru Falls and Beach Combination
About 30 km (19 miles) east of Honiara, Tenaru offers a perfect combination of freshwater falls and coastal scenery that works brilliantly in December weather. The falls are a short walk from the road, and the pool beneath is deep enough for swimming - the fresh water is wonderfully cool after the humid trek. The nearby beach area has historical significance as a WWII battle site, and you can explore the area where Japanese forces attempted to cross the Tenaru River. Plan 4-5 hours total including travel time. The afternoon rain risk actually works in your favor here - if it does rain, you're already wet from swimming.
December Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
July 7th is the big one, but December doesn't have major national holidays or festivals that significantly impact tourism. You might catch some early Christmas preparations in the last week of December, with church services becoming more elaborate and the Central Market getting busier with families shopping for feast supplies. Some villages hold pre-Christmas cultural performances, but these aren't organized tourist events - you'd need local connections to attend.