Honiara in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Honiara

31°C (88°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect diving conditions: June marks the beginning of the southeast trade winds which bring 15-20m (49-66ft) visibility to Solomonislands - the best underwater visibility of the year for wreck diving
Whale watching season peaks: Humpback whales migrate through Solomon waters in June, with 80% success rate for sightings on morning boat trips between 7-10am
Cultural festival season: June coincides with school holidays when villages host traditional string band competitions and custom dancing - locals are most welcoming to visitors during this period
Ideal hiking weather: Morning temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) with lower humidity make the 2-hour trek to Mount Austen comfortable before 11am, when afternoon heat builds

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon rainfall: Brief but intense downpours occur 10 days per month, typically between 2-5pm, which can disrupt outdoor market visits and walking tours
Higher accommodation costs: June school holidays drive up guesthouse prices by 25-30% compared to March-May, with most places requiring 3-4 week advance booking
Limited evening dining options: Many local restaurants close by 8pm during winter months due to reduced tourist numbers, leaving mainly hotel dining after dark

Best Activities in June

Iron Bottom Sound War Wreck Diving

June offers peak underwater visibility of 15-20m (49-66ft) due to southeast trade winds clearing sediment. The USS John Penn and other WWII wrecks are most accessible now. Water temperature stays comfortable at 26°C (79°F). Morning dives between 8-11am avoid afternoon weather uncertainty.

Booking Tip: Book certified dive operators 10-14 days ahead. Two-tank dives typically cost SBD$800-1,200 (US$95-145). Ensure operators provide proper wreck diving certification and safety equipment. See current dive tour options in booking section below.

Whale Watching Boat Tours

Humpback whale migration peaks in June with 80% sighting success rates. Early morning departures (7-8am) offer calmest seas and best visibility before trade winds strengthen. Whales are most active during feeding times between 8-10am in deeper waters beyond Point Cruz.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost SBD$600-900 (US$70-110). Book with operators who guarantee morning departure times and have spotting success records. Tours run 4-5 hours including travel time. Weather backup policies are essential in June.

Traditional Village Cultural Experiences

June school holidays bring village string band competitions and custom dancing performances. Villages like Tanagai and Visale host weekend cultural shows. This is when you'll see traditional pandanus weaving and shell money making demonstrations by locals who have time off work.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism experiences cost SBD$200-400 (US$25-50) per person. Contact Solomonislands Visitors Bureau for current village programs. Transport to villages typically adds SBD$150-300 depending on distance. Book through community liaisons.

Mount Austen Historical Trek

June's cooler mornings make this 500m (1,640ft) elevation gain manageable before 11am. The 4km (2.5-mile) trail to WWII bunkers and memorials is driest now. Clear weather provides views across Solomonislands where naval battles occurred. Afternoon clouds often roll in by 2pm.

Booking Tip: Guided treks cost SBD$300-500 (US$35-60) for half-day including transport from city center. Independent hiking is possible but guides provide essential historical context about battle sites. Start by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and potential rain.

Central Market and Local Food Tours

June brings seasonal fruits like vi apple and galip nuts to this destination. Morning market tours (6-9am) avoid afternoon heat and showcase when vendors have fullest selection. Cooking demonstrations using traditional earth ovens happen more frequently during school holiday period.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost SBD$250-400 (US$30-50) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book morning tours to experience market at peak activity. Independent exploration is easy - market opens 5:30am daily except Sundays.

Bonegi Beach War Relics and Snorkeling

June's clear conditions reveal Japanese fighter planes 5m (16ft) underwater just off the beach. Morning snorkeling between 8-11am offers best visibility before afternoon winds. The coastal road trip 12km (7.5 miles) west of town passes multiple war sites and local villages.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, snorkel gear rental typically SBD$80-120 (US$10-15) per day from Honiara shops. Combine with transportation tours costing SBD$200-350 (US$25-42) for half-day including Vilu War Museum visit. Self-drive possible with 4WD rental.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to Late June

Provincial String Band Championships

Regional qualifying rounds for national string band competitions happen in various villages around Honiara. Traditional island music performances combined with custom dancing and local food stalls. Most authentic cultural experience available to visitors.

Throughout June

School Holiday Village Open Days

Rural communities near Honiara open to visitors during June school break. Families demonstrate traditional crafts, cooking methods, and daily life. Children perform cultural dances typically reserved for ceremonial occasions. Limited commercial tourism impact makes this genuinely authentic.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning treks require protection from tall grass and insects, while afternoon heat needs breathability

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and water reflection intensifies exposure during boat trips and diving

Waterproof phone case - unexpected rain showers and water activities make protection essential for navigation and photos

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon downpours last 20-45 minutes but can be intense, umbrella insufficient for walking

Closed-toe water shoes - sharp coral and metal war debris around beaches and dive sites require foot protection beyond flip-flops

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes peak during twilight hours 5:30-7pm, malaria prophylaxis recommended by health authorities

Cotton or merino wool shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, natural fibers breathe better during physical activities and market visits

Waterproof day pack 20-30L capacity - protects electronics and documents during boat trips and unexpected weather changes

Dive certification cards and medical clearance - required by all operators for wreck diving, no exceptions for depth beyond 18m (59ft)

Cash in small Solomon Dollar notes - SBD$20-50 denominations for market purchases, village visits, and local transport where cards not accepted

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation immediately after confirming travel dates - June school holidays create genuine shortage, not artificial scarcity. Many expat families visit during this period, reducing availability by 60%

Start outdoor activities by 8am - locals know afternoon weather becomes unpredictable after 1pm. Morning light also provides best photography conditions for war memorials and cultural sites

Carry exact change in Solomon Dollars - many local operators and village experiences can't break large notes. ATMs in Honiara frequently run out of cash during busy periods, so stock up early in your visit

Connect with Solomonislands Visitors Bureau on arrival day - they maintain real-time information about village cultural events and weather-dependent activity availability that online booking platforms can't track

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming afternoon activities will proceed as planned - June's unpredictable 2-5pm weather disrupts outdoor schedules. Always have indoor backup plans or book morning time slots

Underestimating booking lead times - school holiday period creates genuine scarcity for accommodation and tours. Last-minute availability is rare, unlike other Pacific destinations

Expecting extensive evening entertainment - Honiara winds down early in June. Plan substantial lunch experiences rather than relying on dinner for cultural immersion