Honiara in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Honiara

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

239 mm (9.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak diving season with 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility at Bonegi I and II wrecks due to calmer seas and reduced rainfall from November-February
Chinese New Year celebrations (January 29, 2025) bring busy lion dances and cultural performances in Southeastasia on Mendana Avenue - the largest celebration outside Chinese mainland in the Pacific
School holidays mean more Solomon Islander families visit beaches and markets, creating authentic cultural exchanges at places like this destination and Honiara Fish Market
Morning temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F) make 5:30am-8:30am perfect for hiking Mount Austen's 2.5km (1.6 miles) trail to WWII relics without afternoon heat exhaustion

Considerations

Afternoon downpours averaging 24mm (0.9 inches) per rainy day occur between 2-4pm roughly 60% of days, disrupting outdoor activities and creating muddy conditions on unsealed roads
High humidity at 70% makes the 31°C (88°F) daily peak feel like 35-37°C (95-99°F), causing rapid dehydration during midday activities
January marks cyclone season in the Southwest Pacific - while direct hits are rare, weather systems can cause 2-3 day periods of heavy rain and cancelled boat transfers to outer islands

Best Activities in January

WWII Historical Site Tours

January's lower rainfall makes dirt roads to Solomonislands battlefields more accessible. Morning temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F) are ideal for exploring Henderson Field, Bloody Ridge, and Japanese bunker systems before midday heat. School holidays bring knowledgeable local guides whose grandfathers fought alongside Allied forces.

Booking Tip: Book with certified historical guides through licensed operators 7-10 days ahead. Half-day tours typically cost SI$400-600 (US$50-75). Reference booking section below for current tour options with transport included.

Wreck Diving at Bonegi Beach

January offers peak visibility of 25-30m (82-98 ft) for exploring the Japanese transport ships sunk in 1942. Calmer seas and reduced sediment make this the best month for underwater photography. Water temperature stays 28-29°C (82-84°F) requiring only 3mm wetsuit.

Booking Tip: Two-tank dives cost SI$500-700 (US$60-85) including equipment. Book with PADI-certified operators 5-7 days ahead. Afternoon sessions avoid morning boat traffic. See current diving operators in booking section below.

Cultural Village Experiences

January school holidays mean traditional villages have more family members present for authentic cultural exchanges. Morning visits (8am-11am) avoid afternoon rain and showcase traditional cooking methods, weaving, and storytelling by elders.

Booking Tip: Day trips to villages like Betikama or Kakabona cost SI$200-350 (US$25-45) including transport and traditional lunch. Book through community-based tourism operators 3-5 days ahead. See cultural tour options in booking section below.

Central Market Food Tours

January brings peak season fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, and Solomon gold pineapple. Early morning visits (6am-9am) offer the freshest seafood from overnight fishing boats and avoid midday crowds. Chinese New Year period features special traditional foods.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours cost SI$100-200 (US$12-25) for 2-3 hours including tastings. Independent exploration is free but guides provide cultural context and safety in crowded areas. Book food tours through local operators in booking section below.

Tenaru Falls Hiking

January's rainfall keeps waterfalls at full flow while morning temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F) make the 45-minute hike comfortable. River crossings are manageable but require proper footwear. Swimming in natural pools provides relief from afternoon humidity.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking is possible but guides cost SI$150-250 (US$18-30) for safety and route-finding. Start before 8am to avoid afternoon storms. Transport to trailhead costs SI$100-150 (US$12-18). See nature tour options in booking section below.

Island-Hopping to Savo Island

January's calmer seas make 45-minute boat trips to active volcanic Savo Island more comfortable. Hot springs and traditional megapode bird egg harvesting can be observed. Morning departures (7am-8am) allow full-day exploration before afternoon weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost SI$400-650 (US$50-80) including boat transport and village permissions. Book through licensed boat operators 5-7 days ahead due to limited weekly schedules. See island tour options in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

January 29, 2025

Chinese New Year Festival

Solomonislands' Chinese community celebrates with traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and food stalls along Mendana Avenue. The largest Pacific island celebration outside mainland China features authentic regional cuisines and family-oriented activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking boots with ankle support - unsealed roads and muddy trails during 10 rainy days require proper traction and waterproofing

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes but can soak through regular clothing in high humidity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 plus reflection from coral sand causes burns within 15 minutes on unprotected skin

Moisture-wicking shirts (avoid cotton) - 70% humidity makes cotton retain sweat and become uncomfortable during 31°C (88°F) peaks

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours that can damage electronics in high humidity

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - evening mosquitoes are active year-round, increased after rainfall periods

Electrolyte tablets or powder - rapid dehydration occurs during midday activities when feels-like temperature reaches 35-37°C (95-99°F)

Dry bag for documents - passport and cash need protection during boat transfers and unexpected rain

Flip-flops or water shoes - essential for beach entries, village visits, and navigating wet surfaces during rainy periods

Lightweight long pants for village visits - cultural respect and evening mosquito protection, choose breathable fabric for humidity

Insider Knowledge

Solomon Islanders start daily activities at 5:30am-6am during January to avoid midday heat - join early morning fish market visits or hiking to experience authentic local rhythm

Bring small denominations of Solomonislands dollars (SI$5, SI$10 notes) - many villages and markets cannot change larger bills, and card payments are limited outside major hotels

Book accommodation with backup generators - brief power outages during storms are common, and air conditioning becomes essential during 70% humidity periods

Learning basic Pijin phrases like 'tankyu tumas' (thank you very much) and 'wanem nao prize?' (what's the price?) significantly improves market interactions and cultural exchanges

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when feels-like temperature reaches 35-37°C (95-99°F) and afternoon storms are most likely to occur

Wearing cotton clothing in 70% humidity - synthetic moisture-wicking or linen fabrics are essential for comfort during extended outdoor activities

Not carrying cash for village visits and local markets - ATMs are limited to Honiara center, and rural areas operate on cash-only basis with no card facilities