Honiara in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Honiara

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

290 mm (11.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak visibility season for snorkeling and diving - February sits at the tail end of the dry season with clearest water conditions around Honiara. Visibility reaches 20-25 m (66-82 ft) at sites like Bonegi Beach wrecks.
Comfortable evening temperatures of 23°C (74°F) make night markets and waterfront dining ideal. The famous Friday night market at Point Cruz operates until 11pm with perfect conditions for trying local specialties like kokoda and cassava pudding.
Minimal cyclone risk - February historically has the lowest tropical cyclone activity in the Solomon Islands. Only 2 cyclones have affected Honiara in February over the past 20 years, compared to 8 in March-April.
Prime birdwatching season as migratory species like the Polynesian Starling and various honeyeaters are most active. The cooler morning temperatures of 23°C (74°F) at dawn create optimal conditions for spotting endemic species in the Saint Vincent.

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours. This consistently disrupts outdoor activities during peak sightseeing hours and can flood some coastal roads temporarily.
High humidity at 70% makes indoor air conditioning essential for recovery between activities. Many budget accommodations lack adequate cooling, and the constant moisture can be exhausting for visitors from temperate climates.
Limited ferry schedules to outer provinces due to weather unpredictability. Solomonislands connections drop from daily to 4x weekly, and Solomonislands services face regular 1-2 day delays when storms develop.

Best Activities in February

WWII Wreck Diving and Snorkeling Tours

February offers the year's clearest water conditions for exploring Honiara's famous underwater war relics. The Bonegi Beach wrecks, including Japanese transport ships, are visible from 15 m (49 ft) depth with 20+ meter visibility. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F). Morning dives (7-10am) avoid afternoon storms completely.

Booking Tip: Book certified dive operators 7-10 days ahead through PADI-registered centers. Snorkeling tours cost SBD 800-1,200 ($95-145), while certified dives run SBD 1,500-2,000 ($180-240). All reputable operators provide wetsuit rentals and underwater cameras. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Cultural Village Walking Experiences

February's comfortable morning temperatures make extended walking tours through traditional Melanesian communities ideal. The humidity drops to 60% by 8am, perfect for 3-4 hour village visits in areas like Kakabona or Mamara. February coincides with post-harvest celebrations where you'll witness traditional cooking methods and shell money demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism operators 5-7 days ahead. Half-day experiences typically cost SBD 600-900 ($70-110) including traditional lunch and transportation. Look for operators certified by the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Tenaru Falls Hiking Adventures

The 45-minute trek to Tenaru Falls is most enjoyable in February's cooler morning conditions. Start by 7am when temperatures are 23°C (74°F) - the falls are at peak flow from recent rains but trails aren't yet muddy. The natural swimming pool maintains a refreshing 24°C (75°F). Afternoon storms actually enhance the waterfall's power for dramatic photos.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking possible, but guided tours (SBD 400-600 / $50-70) include transportation and local knowledge about medicinal plants. Book 3-5 days ahead during February. Certified guides carry first aid and know alternative routes if weather changes. Transportation adds SBD 300-400 to independent visits.

Traditional Market Food Tours

February brings seasonal produce like breadfruit, taro, and fresh coconut crabs to Honiara's markets. The Central Market operates 6am-5pm with peak activity 7-10am when temperatures are comfortable. Evening food tours at Point Cruz capture the social atmosphere as locals gather after work. Try seasonal specialties like ngali nuts and fresh coconut milk that peak in February availability.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost SBD 500-800 ($60-95) for 3-4 hours including tastings and cultural explanations. Book through established tour operators 3-5 days ahead. Independent market visits work well but guides help navigate language barriers and explain traditional food preparation. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

Island-Hopping Day Trips

February's stable morning weather (storms typically hit afternoon) creates perfect conditions for half-day island excursions to Savo Island or Florida Islands. Seas are calmest 8am-1pm with 0.5-1m (1.6-3.3 ft) swells. Return journeys time perfectly before afternoon storm systems develop. Water activities like swimming and beach walks are ideal in 28°C (82°F) conditions.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost SBD 1,200-1,800 ($145-215) including boat transport, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Book certified marine operators 7-14 days ahead - weather delays can affect scheduling. Look for operators with covered boats and life jackets for all passengers. Check current island tour availability in booking section below.

Historical Battlefield Tours

February's reduced rainfall makes overland battlefield sites like Henderson Field and Bloody Ridge more accessible. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid both heat and afternoon storms. The cooler 23°C (74°F) morning temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking involved. February timing coincides with commemoration activities as it approaches the anniversary of major WWII battles.

Booking Tip: Half-day historical tours cost SBD 800-1,200 ($95-145) including transportation and expert guides. Book through operators certified by the Ministry of Culture 5-7 days ahead. Many guides are local historians with family connections to wartime events. Some tours combine multiple sites - budget full day for complete experiences.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Guadalcanal Province Day Celebrations

Annual provincial celebration featuring traditional string band competitions, cultural dances, and local food festivals. Communities from across Solomonislands gather at Lawson Tama Stadium for three days of performances showcasing Melanesian heritage. Includes craft markets and demonstrations of traditional skills like wood carving and weaving.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes 4+ hours to dry after afternoon storms

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms dump 25-50 mm (1-2 inches) in 60-90 minutes with little warning

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off coral sand intensifies exposure during water activities

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours that can damage electronics instantly

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - wet pavement and coral surfaces become extremely slippery during storms

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active during February's humid evenings

Small packable umbrella - provides instant shelter during market visits and short walks between indoor locations

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - prevents chafing and discomfort in high humidity conditions throughout the day

Light cotton pants for evenings - protects against mosquitoes while staying cool when temperatures drop to 23°C (74°F)

Waterproof watch - essential for timing activities around predictable afternoon storm patterns and ferry schedules

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all boat activities and island trips for 8am-1pm departures. Local operators know afternoon storms hit like clockwork around 2-3pm, and experienced captains won't venture out after 1:30pm regardless of morning weather conditions.

Stock up on cash (Solomon Island Dollars) before weekends - most ATMs in Honiara run empty by Friday afternoon due to limited weekend restocking. BSP Bank at Point Cruz typically has the most reliable cash availability during February's low tourist season.

Book accommodations with backup power systems. February storms cause 2-4 hour power outages twice weekly on average. Hotels with generators cost 20-30% more but maintain air conditioning, WiFi, and hot water during blackouts that affect most of the city.

Friday night Point Cruz Market offers the week's best selection of traditional foods and crafts. Local families bring surplus produce from weekend gardens, and cultural performances happen spontaneously. Arrive by 6pm before the best items sell out.

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities between 2-5pm when thunderstorms are most likely. Tourists lose entire afternoons waiting out storms instead of scheduling indoor cultural sites, museums, or shopping during these predictable weather windows.

Bringing only credit cards - most local markets, cultural sites, and transportation require cash. Credit card acceptance is limited to major hotels and some restaurants, leaving visitors unable to participate in authentic local experiences.

Underestimating storm intensity and duration. February thunderstorms aren't light tropical showers - they're 45-90 minute deluges with 50+ mph winds that can flood roads and halt all transportation until they pass completely.