Things to Do in Honiara in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
November Weather in Honiara
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
89°F (31°C)
High Temp
73°F (22°C)
Low Temp
5.7 inches (145 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Crowds are still relatively thin. November sits in that sweet spot after the peak international tourist season has wound down but before the big December holidays, so the Guadalcanal Battlefield tours and Bonegi Beach aren't packed. You can move. You can breathe. Guides have time for questions.
- + The landscape is lush and green. Those 10 days of rain keep everything hydrated - the hibiscus along Mendana Avenue are in full bloom, the hills behind Point Cruz are a deep emerald, and the water in the Mataniko River Falls looks cleaner and more inviting. Bring a camera.
- + Hotel rates tend to be more negotiable. With lower occupancy, you're more likely to get a room upgrade or a better deal at some of the waterfront properties, if you're staying more than a few nights. Ask. Smile. Ask again.
- + It's a great month for diving visibility. While diving is year-round, November often sees clearer water on the reefs off Honiara, like the ones near the wreck of the Hirokawa Maru, with less plankton bloom than in the hotter months. Turtles show up. So do rays.
Considerations
- − The humidity is unrelenting. That 70% figure doesn't quite capture it - the air feels thick and heavy, like a warm, damp towel you can't take off. Your clothes will stick to you by 10 AM, and nothing ever feels completely dry. Accept it.
- − Rain can be a genuine disruption. It's not just a drizzle; it's a tropical downpour that can turn the potholed roads in Kukum into small rivers in minutes, flooding out taxi routes and delaying boat trips to the outlying islands for hours. Carry snacks.
- − Some cultural events are quiet. November isn't a major festival month in Honiara, so you won't stumble upon the large-scale dancing or feasts that happen at other times of year. The cultural calendar is a bit of a lull. Plan accordingly.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
Guadalcanal Battlefield and WWII History Tours
November is arguably the best time for this. The grass on Bloody Ridge is shorter after the wet season's end, making the old Japanese gun emplacements easier to see. The overcast skies and occasional light rain suit the somber atmosphere of places like the Vilu War Museum. You'll have the memorials at Red Beach and Henderson Field mostly to yourself, without the tour buses of July and August. The humidity, mind you, is punishing for hiking up Mount Austen - start early. Beat the heat.
Booking Tip: Book a private guide or a small group tour at least a few days ahead. Look for operators who are members of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau and who emphasize historical accuracy over just driving you to spots. You can see current tour options in the booking section below. Check credentials.
Snorkeling and Island Day Trips to Bonegi or the Florida Islands
The sea is warm, the underwater visibility is improving, and the chance of a sudden squall, while present, is lower than in the coming months. Bonegi I and II wrecks, just a 30-minute drive west of town, are impressive in the clear November light. The sandflies on the beach, however, are ferocious after rain - bring strong repellent. The sound of the waves slapping against the rusted hull of the ship is haunting. Listen.
Booking Tip: For Bonegi, you can often arrange a taxi for the day. For the Florida Islands (like Anuha or Bungana), you'll need to book a boat charter or join a day tour. Check the boat's safety gear and ask about weather cancellation policies. See what's available in the booking widget. Safety first.
Central Market and Chinatown Food Exploration
The Honiara Central Market is at its most fragrant and colorful in November. The aisles are piled high with island cabbage, luminous purple taro, and pyramids of betel nut. The smell is a mix of damp earth, ripe fruit, and salt from the fish section. This is when you'll find seasonal treats like ngali nuts (canarium almonds) - their rich, oily taste is unique to the Solomons. The humidity makes the covered market feel like a steam bath. But the fresh coconut water for sale is the perfect antidote. Drink it cold.
Booking Tip: No booking needed, just go. Aim for a weekday morning before 10 AM when it's busiest with locals. It's a place to observe and taste, not a curated tour - be respectful with photos. For a more structured intro to Solomon flavors, some local guides offer market walks. Ask first.
Mataniko River Falls Hike and Swim
After the October rains, the Mataniko Falls are flowing with force, creating a powerful cascade and a deep, cool pool that's good for a swim. The 45-minute hike from the road is muddy and slippery in November, requiring decent footwear. The reward is the roar of the water and the feeling of the cool mist on your skin after a sweaty trek. It's a world away from the city's diesel fumes. Breathe deep.
Booking Tip: Do not go alone. Hire a local guide from the nearby village. They know the safe paths and swimming spots. This is non-negotiable for safety and respect. Arrangements are usually made on-site or through your accommodation a day or two in advance. Pay fairly.
Where to Stay in Honiara in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Honiara Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Forget restaurants. Honiara's best dinner sets up after 6 PM along Kukum Highway. Smoke from coconut husks leads you to the BBQ stalls. Point at a slab of wahoo, grab roasted breadfruit, sit on a plastic stool. That smoky, salty bite is the city after dark.
Crowded beaches? Skip them. Walk to Point Cruz wharf and hop the public ferry to Savo Island. Early departure, mid-afternoon return, village life unfolding as you go. Diesel thumps, flying fish skim the wake. This is the Solomon Islands, raw and quiet.
Heat wilting you? Duck into the National Museum beside Parliament House. Air conditioning hums, shell money glints, WWII relics wait. Ten quiet minutes here and Honiara's chaos suddenly makes sense.
Bottled water is boring. At the market ask for a drongo. A machete flashes, the top comes off, cool water waits inside. Slightly sweet, packed with natural electrolytes, it beats any sports drink after a morning on Honiara's hills.
Avoid These Mistakes
Ten rainy days sounds mild. Honiara turns that into a biblical drenching that floods roads and strands boats. Pack plan B every afternoon.
One packed day will break you. November heat is brutal. Market at dawn, battlefield by noon, dinner out? Exhaustion guaranteed. Locals nap at midday. Join them.
Plastic is useless. Outside hotels, Honiara runs on cash. Taxis, market snacks, village guides, all need Solomon Islands dollars in small notes. Break those big bills early.
Explore More Activities in Honiara
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Honiara.
See All Honiara Tours on Viator