Honiara in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Honiara

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

112 mm (4.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

May is peak dry season with the best diving visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) around Solomonislands and Florida Islands - clearer than any other month
Lower tourist volumes mean better availability and 15-20% cheaper accommodation rates compared to July-August peak season
Perfect temperature for early morning activities - comfortable 23-25°C (73-77°F) between 6-9am before humidity builds
Trade winds are strongest in May, making boat transfers to outer islands smoother with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells versus 3-4m (10-13 ft) in wet season

Considerations

Afternoon humidity peaks at 85-90% between 2-5pm, making midday walking tours uncomfortable without frequent breaks
Some traditional villages restrict access during kastom ceremonies in May, particularly around Point Cruz area - fewer cultural experiences available
Dust from unpaved roads becomes problematic during dry spells - respiratory issues for sensitive travelers

Best Activities in May

Guadalcanal WWII Battlefield Tours

May's dry conditions make jungle battlefield sites accessible via 4WD. Henderson Field and Bloody Ridge are clearly visible without wet season mud. Early morning tours (7am start) avoid afternoon heat. The cooler mornings at 23°C (73°F) make the 3-4 hour walking portions comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed war history guides. Tours typically cost SBD 800-1200 ($95-145). Look for guides certified by the Solomonislands Visitors Bureau. Reference booking widget below for current battlefield tour options.

Tulagi Island Diving Expeditions

May offers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft). Water temperature is perfect at 27-28°C (81-82°F). The Japanese wrecks at Solomonislands are most accessible now before cyclone season currents. Calm seas mean 90% of scheduled dives proceed as planned.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead with PADI certified operators. Two-tank dives typically cost SBD 1,000-1,500 ($120-180). Ensure operators provide insurance coverage. Check current diving packages in the booking section below.

Central Market Cultural Immersion

May's harvest season brings the best produce variety to this destination. Root vegetables, fresh fish, and seasonal fruits peak now. Morning visits (6-8am) offer coolest temperatures at 23°C (73°F) and best selection before afternoon heat drives vendors indoors.

Booking Tip: Join guided market tours typically costing SBD 200-400 ($25-50) including tastings. Book through cultural tourism operators 3-5 days ahead. Local guides provide language translation and cultural context. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Mataniko Falls Hiking Adventures

May's reduced rainfall means safer river crossings to reach the 30m (98 ft) falls. Water levels are optimal for swimming in the natural pools. The 5km (3.1 mile) trail is less muddy than wet season. Start early - trails become challenging after 11am when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F).

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 5-7 days ahead through eco-tourism operators. Half-day tours typically cost SBD 600-900 ($70-110). Ensure guides carry first aid certification and communication devices. Check current hiking tour availability in the booking widget below.

Florida Islands Snorkeling Expeditions

May's calm seas and 25m+ (82 ft) visibility make this prime snorkeling season. Coral reefs are most busy before potential bleaching from later dry season heat. Day trips include multiple reef sites with 95% chance of calm water conditions.

Booking Tip: Book island transfers 7-10 days ahead through licensed boat operators. Full day trips typically cost SBD 1,200-1,800 ($145-215) including equipment and lunch. Verify operators have marine safety certifications. See current snorkeling packages in booking section below.

Traditional Fishing Village Stays

May's dry weather makes village access roads passable and traditional fishing most productive. Villages around Solomonislands and Solomonislands offer real feels without wet season isolation. Evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) are perfect for outdoor community dinners.

Booking Tip: Arrange village stays 14-21 days ahead through Solomonislands Visitors Bureau approved programs. Costs typically range SBD 400-800 ($50-95) per night including meals. Respect kastom protocols and bring appropriate gifts. Check current village stay programs in booking widget below.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Independence Day Celebrations

May includes preparation events for July 7th Independence Day. Traditional dance rehearsals, craft market expansions, and cultural displays begin. Local communities practice traditional ceremonies that visitors can respectfully observe.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo fiber clothing - cotton retains moisture in 70% humidity while synthetics trap heat

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflects strongly off water during boat trips

Quick-dry hiking boots rated for 5km (3.1 mile) wet trails - essential for Mataniko Falls and battlefield sites

Waterproof daypack 20-30L capacity - afternoon showers occur 10 days per month and start suddenly

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dehydration happens quickly in 31°C (88°F) temperatures with 70% humidity

Insect repellent containing 25-30% DEET - sand flies are most active during May's optimal beach weather

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected rainfall during outdoor activities

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - afternoon winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) make umbrellas impractical

Prescription medications in original containers plus copies - limited pharmacy options outside Honiara

Cash in small denominations - many local operators and markets don't accept cards or provide change for large bills

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights to outer islands before 10am departures - afternoon thermal updrafts at 31°C (88°F) create turbulence on smaller aircraft

Carry your own water bottle to refill - tap water in Honiara is treated but outer islands require bottled water costing SBD 8-15 ($1-2) per liter

May is traditional fishing season - join local fishermen at 5am departures for fresh catch and avoid tourist boat schedules

Exchange money at ANZ Bank in Honiara before traveling to outer islands - exchange rates in villages can be 10-15% less favorable than city rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 11am when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F) and humidity makes exertion uncomfortable

Expecting Western-style punctuality - 'island time' means activities often start 30-60 minutes later than scheduled, especially boat departures

Bringing only sandals - many activities require closed-toe shoes for safety, particularly WWII site visits and waterfall hikes