Honiara in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Honiara

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

284 mm (11.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

March sits in the sweet spot before the intense wet season - you'll get manageable 20-30 minute afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours, leaving mornings and evenings perfect for exploring
Tourist numbers drop significantly after the February peak, meaning Central Market has breathing room, boats to Solomonislands aren't packed, and you'll actually get to chat with vendors without crowds
Mango season is in full swing - local Kwara'ae mangoes are at their peak sweetness, selling for just SBD 5-10 ($0.60-1.20) per kilogram at roadside stalls along Kukum Highway
March weather creates ideal conditions for snorkeling at Solomonislands - water visibility reaches 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) due to reduced sediment runoff before heavy rains begin

Considerations

Afternoon humidity can feel oppressive between 2-4pm when it reaches 85-90%, making outdoor activities uncomfortable during these peak hours
Unpredictable shower timing means you'll need flexible daily plans - that perfect sunset at Point Cruz might get rained out with 10 minutes notice
Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rain - the 45-minute drive to Bonegi Beach can become a 90-minute muddy ordeal if you hit it wrong

Best Activities in March

Iron Bottom Sound Diving and Snorkeling

March offers exceptional underwater visibility at this WWII shipwreck site before heavy rains cloud the waters. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 28°C (82°F), and the brief afternoon showers actually improve conditions by cooling surface temperatures. The SS John Penn and other wrecks are at their most accessible, with marine life including barracuda schools and reef sharks most active during the slightly cooler March temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book through certified dive operators 7-10 days ahead. Full-day trips typically cost SBD 800-1,200 ($95-145) including equipment. Look for operators with PADI certification and proper boat insurance. Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon weather uncertainty.

Central Honiara Walking Food Tours

March brings the peak of tropical fruit season, making food exploration exceptional. Morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) create comfortable walking conditions through Central Market and Southeastasia before midday heat builds. Local specialties like kokoda (raw fish salad) use the freshest catch, and Chinese bakeries on Mendana Avenue offer seasonal treats using local ingredients unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - start at Central Market by 8am when vendors are setting up and temperatures are coolest. Budget SBD 200-400 ($25-50) for a full morning of tastings. Guided cultural tours typically cost SBD 300-500 ($35-60) and should include market access and cultural context.

Mataniko Falls Hiking

March rainfall creates spectacular water flow at these multi-tiered falls while keeping the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) jungle trail manageable. The cave system behind the falls is most impressive now, and cooler morning temperatures make the moderate climb comfortable. Recent rains reveal seasonal wildflowers and increase bird activity, particularly hornbills and kingfishers.

Booking Tip: Go independently or with local guides - tours typically cost SBD 400-600 ($50-75) including transport from city center. Start early (7am departure) to complete the 3-4 hour round trip before afternoon rains. Wear proper hiking boots as trail sections become slippery after rain.

Tulagi Island Day Trips

March's calm morning seas make the 1-hour boat journey to this former colonial capital ideal. The island's WWII history comes alive in cooler morning temperatures perfect for exploring tunnels and gun emplacements. Afternoon return timing works perfectly with Honiara's typical 3pm shower pattern, and March's lower tourist numbers mean you'll often have historical sites to yourself.

Booking Tip: Book boat transfers 5-7 days ahead through waterfront operators near Point Cruz. Day trips typically cost SBD 600-900 ($70-110) including boat transport and basic lunch. Morning departures (8-9am) are essential for calm seas and weather timing. Look for operators with radio communication and life jackets.

Traditional Village Cultural Visits

March timing coincides with post-harvest cultural activities in villages within 30-45 minutes of Honiara. Shell money crafting demonstrations are most frequent now, and traditional cooking methods using seasonal vegetables create authentic cultural exchanges. Cooler morning temperatures make the drives to villages like Kakabona comfortable, and March's fruit abundance means you'll experience traditional food preparation at its peak.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or guesthouses rather than tour operators for real feels. Community visits typically involve SBD 200-300 ($25-35) donations plus transport costs. Always arrange 2-3 days ahead through proper cultural protocols. Morning visits (9am-1pm) work best for community schedules and weather.

Bonegi Beach Snorkeling and Beach Access

March conditions create perfect snorkeling at this accessible beach 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Honiara. The Japanese transport ship wreck sits in crystal-clear water during March's optimal visibility period. Beach access is easier before April's heavy rains make the final approach road challenging, and afternoon showers provide natural cooling between snorkeling sessions.

Booking Tip: Accessible by rental car or arranged transport - budget SBD 300-500 ($35-60) for return transport from Honiara. Snorkeling gear rental available locally for SBD 80-120 ($10-15) per day. Pack lunch and drinks as facilities are limited. Go midweek for fewer local crowds and better parking access.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Kastom Garden Cultural Festival

This celebration of traditional Solomonislands agriculture and food culture showcases March's seasonal produce abundance. Local communities demonstrate traditional farming techniques, shell money crafting, and seasonal cooking methods using March's peak fruit harvest. Live string band music and traditional dance performances occur throughout the weekend.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants in synthetic blend - cotton stays wet too long in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry after March showers

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - March's 20-30 minute afternoon showers require protection, but plastic ponchos create sauna conditions in the humidity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with water reflection at snorkel sites creates serious burn risk, even on cloudy days

Closed-toe water shoes with grip soles - essential for Solomonislands boat entries and Mataniko Falls stream crossings over slippery rocks

Merino wool t-shirts rather than cotton - they dry faster in humidity, resist odor during multi-day wear, and regulate temperature better

Waterproof phone case rated to 10 meters (33 feet) - essential for underwater photos at wreck sites and protection during sudden downpours

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - March's increased rainfall creates more standing water and mosquito breeding sites, especially near Mataniko Falls

Small daypack with rain cover - you'll be carrying water, snacks, and gear between activities while protecting electronics from sudden weather

Lightweight long pants for cultural site visits - many villages and historical sites require covered legs, and thin fabric works better than jeans in humidity

Electrolyte tablets or powder - March's heat and humidity combination causes significant salt loss during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (SBD 3-5 per ride) run most frequently 7-9am and 4-6pm when workers commute - perfect timing to avoid midday heat and catch rides to Bonegi Beach or outlying areas

Central Market vendors offer best prices and selection Tuesday-Thursday mornings - weekends get picked over and Monday restocking means limited variety of seasonal fruits

Phone coverage disappears completely between Honiara and Solomonislands - inform accommodations of day trip plans and expected return times for safety

March mango season means roadside stalls appear along Kukum Highway - these offer better quality and prices (SBD 5-10/kg) than Central Market vendors who mark up transported fruit

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4pm when humidity peaks at 85-90% and afternoon storms hit - mornings and late afternoons offer much more comfortable conditions

Wearing cotton clothing that stays damp for hours after rain or sweating - synthetic blends dry within 30-45 minutes in March conditions

Assuming afternoon showers will be brief sprinkles - March storms can dump 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 30 minutes, creating flash flooding on some roads