Things to Do in Solomon Islands in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Solomon Islands

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Rainfall decreasing significantly from March peaks - April averages 180mm (7.1 inches) vs March's 250mm (9.8 inches), with shorter afternoon showers
Trade winds strengthen, providing natural cooling and making 31°C (88°F) days more comfortable than the still air of wet season
Visibility for diving and snorkeling improves dramatically as sediment settles after heavy rains - underwater visibility reaches 20-25m (65-82 feet)
Local harvest season for root vegetables and tropical fruits means markets overflow with fresh produce and traditional foods are at their peak

Considerations

Humidity remains high at 85% making midday activities feel exhausting - even locals retreat indoors between 11am-3pm
Afternoon thunderstorms still occur 10 days of the month, typically 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor plans and making boat transfers unreliable
UV index peaks at 9 with minimal cloud cover during morning hours - sunburn happens within 15 minutes without SPF 50+

Best Activities in April

Marovo Lagoon Diving Expeditions

April's clearing waters make this UNESCO World Heritage site spectacular for diving. Post-wet season sediment has settled, giving 20-25m (65-82 feet) visibility. Morning dives (7am-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer calm conditions. Water temperature stays perfect at 28°C (82°F). This is when you'll see the most marine life as fish are active in the clearer water.

Booking Tip: Book multi-day liveaboard packages 3-4 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators. Expect to pay SBD 2,800-4,200 (USD 340-510) for 3-day packages including accommodation. Morning departure times are crucial in April to avoid afternoon weather.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

April coincides with yam and sweet potato harvest festivals in rural villages. You'll participate in actual food preparation using earth ovens (motu) and witness traditional kastom ceremonies that don't happen year-round. The decreasing rainfall means village paths are accessible but not yet dusty like dry season.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism networks 2-3 weeks in advance. Village stays cost SBD 600-900 (USD 75-110) per day including meals and activities. Always bring kava root as a respectful gift - purchase in Honiara markets.

WWII Historical Site Exploration

April's lower rainfall makes jungle trekking to crash sites and battlefields much more manageable. Guadalcanal's trails to Henderson Field and Iron Bottom Sound viewpoints are muddy but passable. The cooler morning temperatures before 10am make the 3-4 hour treks comfortable. Artifacts are more visible after wet season washouts.

Booking Tip: Book guided historical tours through licensed operators familiar with unexploded ordnance safety protocols. Tours cost SBD 800-1,200 (USD 97-145) per day. Early morning starts (6am) are essential to complete treks before afternoon heat and potential storms.

Fishing Village Island Hopping

April seas are calmer than wet season but not yet affected by strong dry season trade winds. Perfect window for exploring outer islands like Russell Islands or Ngela. Morning boat transfers (6am-8am) typically have glassy conditions. You'll experience authentic fishing village life during their most productive season.

Booking Tip: Charter boats through established operators with weather radios and safety equipment. Day trips cost SBD 1,500-2,500 (USD 182-304) for groups of 4-6. Always plan return trips by 2pm to avoid afternoon storm cells.

Rainforest Canopy Birdwatching

April is peak breeding season for endemic species like the Solomon Sea Eagle and Yellowish Imperial Pigeon. Morning mist creates ethereal conditions in highland forests. The transition weather brings increased bird activity as they prepare for dry season. Kolombangara's trails are accessible but still lush.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides familiar with bird calls and nesting areas. Full-day expeditions cost SBD 500-800 (USD 61-97) plus transportation. Start before dawn (5am) for best wildlife activity and to avoid afternoon humidity peaks.

Traditional Woodcarving Workshop Experiences

April harvest season provides fresh materials for traditional crafts. Master carvers in villages like Langa Langa Lagoon teach authentic techniques using tools and methods unchanged for generations. The slightly drier conditions are ideal for wood preparation and carving work.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or village chiefs at least 2 weeks ahead. Workshop costs SBD 400-700 (USD 49-85) per day including materials. Participants can ship finished pieces home through Australia Post connections.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Provincial Harvest Festivals

Various provinces celebrate first harvest of root vegetables and fruits. Features traditional feasting, string band competitions, and kastom dancing. Each province has slightly different timing based on local growing conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants in earth tones - trails are muddy but passable, and darker colors hide inevitable stains from red clay soil

Waterproof day pack with roll-top closure - afternoon storms dump 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 30 minutes

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen in 200ml+ bottles - UV index hits 9 and local shops only stock SPF 30

Lightweight merino wool base layers - stay comfortable in 85% humidity and dry quickly after rain

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - boat landings often involve stepping on wet coral or slippery rocks

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquitoes are most active during April's transition weather patterns

Compact umbrella plus light rain jacket - provides options for different intensities of April showers

Electrolyte powder packets - easy to dehydrate in high humidity even when it doesn't feel hot

Waterproof phone case with lanyard - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours

Cotton bandanas or cooling towels - invaluable for wiping humidity sweat and staying comfortable

Insider Knowledge

Local 'weather windows' are predictable - mornings 6am-11am have calmest conditions for boat transfers and outdoor activities before daily wind patterns shift

April is 'market season' when villages bring surplus harvest to Honiara - Saturday Central Market has incredible variety of local foods rarely available to tourists other times of year

Many Solomon Islanders avoid midday sun during April by following 'coconut shadow' timing - when your shadow is shorter than a coconut palm (about 10m/33ft), seek shade

Traditional earth oven (motu) cooking happens most frequently in April due to abundant fresh ingredients - ask village hosts about participating rather than just observing