Things to Do in Solomon Islands in December

December Weather in Solomon Islands

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

216 mm (8.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with consistent 6am-6pm sunshine - afternoon rain showers are brief (20-30 minutes) and predictable, making outdoor activities highly reliable
Underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) at dive sites like Mbike Island and Russell Islands due to reduced river runoff during dry months
Cultural festival season with traditional Christmas celebrations blending Melanesian customs - villages host open feasts called 'umu parties' where travelers can participate in earth oven cooking
Ideal nesting season for hawksbill turtles at Arnavon Islands - December offers 80% higher sighting rates compared to wet season months

Considerations

Peak tourist pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than wet season, particularly around Christmas week when rooms under SBD 500 ($60) become scarce
Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 2-4pm making midday activities uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors during these hours
Trade winds strengthen to 15-20 knots making smaller boat transfers to outer islands choppy and sometimes cancelled on short notice

Best Activities in December

Russell Islands Diving Expeditions

December's reduced rainfall creates exceptional 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility at sites like Leru Cut and Barracuda Point. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) with minimal thermoclines. Morning dives (7-10am) avoid afternoon wind chop that develops after 2pm.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Two-tank dives typically cost SBD 800-1,200 ($95-145). Look for operators with hyperbaric chamber access in Honiara. See current dive tour options in the booking section below.

Western Province War History Tours

December's dry conditions make jungle trails to Kokoda-related sites like Munda and New Georgia accessible without mud. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour trekking before afternoon heat peaks. Local guides share oral histories passed down from WWII witnesses.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village chiefs or licensed cultural guides. Day tours typically cost SBD 600-900 ($70-110) including traditional lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead to coordinate with community schedules. Current cultural tour options available in booking section below.

Marovo Lagoon Kayaking Circuits

World's largest saltwater lagoon offers protected waters during December's trade wind season. Morning glass-calm conditions (6-9am) transition to manageable 10-knot winds perfect for intermediate paddlers. Traditional stilt villages like Peava welcome kayakers with advance notice.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions typically cost SBD 1,800-2,800 ($215-335) including village homestays. Book 21+ days ahead as village permissions require coordination. Guided day trips available through eco-lodges. Check current lagoon tour options in booking section below.

Honiara Central Market Cultural Immersion

December brings seasonal fruits like rambutan and soursop to market stalls. Early morning visits (5:30-7am) offer coolest temperatures 23°C (73°F) and freshest selection before tourist groups arrive. Local women teach traditional betel nut preparation and kastom basket weaving.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, but cultural workshops cost SBD 200-400 ($25-50). Cooking classes with market tour typically SBD 300-500 ($35-60). Book cultural experiences 3-5 days ahead. See current Honiara cultural tours in booking section below.

Rennell Island Endemic Bird Watching

UNESCO World Heritage raised coral atoll hosts unique species like Rennell White-eye found nowhere else. December dry season provides clearest access to Lake Tegano, largest lake in Pacific islands at 15km (9.3 miles) long. Dawn chorus peaks at 5:45am when 20+ endemic species are most vocal.

Booking Tip: Specialized birding guides typically charge SBD 800-1,200 ($95-145) per day. Accommodation limited to 2-3 guesthouses requiring 30+ day advance booking. Access via weekly MAF flights from Honiara. Current Rennell tours available in booking section below.

Traditional Canoe Building Workshops

December marks traditional canoe-building season when dry weather allows proper wood curing. Villages in Malaita and Western Provinces offer hands-on workshops using centuries-old techniques with kwila and rosewood. Sessions run 6am-4pm to avoid afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Week-long workshops typically cost SBD 1,500-2,200 ($180-265) including materials and village homestay. Requires 45+ day advance booking through cultural centers. Day workshops available for SBD 400-600 ($48-72). See cultural craft tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-27

Christmas Umu Festival

Traditional earth oven feasts blend Christian celebrations with Melanesian customs. Villages across islands host communal cooking events where visitors can participate in food preparation using heated stones. Features traditional lap lap, cassava, and fresh fish cooked underground.

Early December through February

Hawksbill Turtle Nesting Season

Peak nesting period at Arnavon Islands Marine Conservation Area. Guided night walks offer 80% chance of witnessing nesting or hatching. Research station allows visitors to participate in data collection and tagging programs with marine biologists.

December 28-January 2

Traditional New Year Kastom Ceremonies

Villages perform ancestral blessing ceremonies featuring traditional shell money exchanges, pig feasts, and ceremonial dancing. Participants wear traditional dress and perform ancient rituals welcoming the new planting season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton take 8+ hours to dry after washing

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches dangerous level 8 with strong equatorial intensity

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-30 minutes with heavy intensity

Closed-toe water shoes - coral and sea urchins common in shallow lagoons, plus protection from stonefish

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - malaria-carrying mosquitoes most active during 6-8pm transition hours

Moisture-wicking undergarments - synthetic materials prevent chafing in high humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat transfers and sudden rain during outdoor activities

Lightweight long pants for village visits - cultural respect required, cotton-poly blend dries faster than pure cotton

Portable battery pack - power outages common during afternoon thunderstorms, especially in outer islands

Cash in small bills - ATMs limited outside Honiara, many services operate on cash-only basis

Insider Knowledge

Flight schedules to outer islands change frequently due to weather - always confirm departure times the evening before and have backup plans for extended stays

Village Protocol: Always request permission from village chief before swimming, fishing, or taking photos. Bring small gifts like soap, rice, or school supplies as courtesy offerings

Currency reality: Credit cards only accepted at major hotels in Honiara. Outer islands operate entirely on cash, with Australian dollars preferred over Solomon dollars in remote areas

Internet connectivity drops to dial-up speeds outside Honiara and Gizo. Download offline maps, translation apps, and entertainment before leaving main centers

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking flights to outer islands without understanding weight restrictions - domestic flights limit bags to 15kg (33 lbs) with excess charges of SBD 50 ($6) per kg

Arriving in villages without advance notice during December church season - communities may be engaged in multi-day Christmas celebrations and unable to host visitors

Underestimating boat transfer times during trade wind season - rough seas can double journey times, with 2-hour trips becoming 4+ hours in choppy conditions