Things to Do in Solomon Islands in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Solomon Islands

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak diving season - visibility reaches 30-40m (98-131 ft) with calm seas and minimal wind from trade patterns
Abundant fresh tropical fruits in season - rambutan, soursop, and island mangoes at local markets for 20-30 SBD per kg
Festive Christmas celebrations blend Melanesian traditions with colonial influences, featuring unique string band music and community feasts
Optimal bird watching conditions as migratory species arrive - over 40 endemic species including Roviana rail visible in early morning hours 6-8am

Considerations

Intense afternoon thunderstorms 4-6pm daily can disrupt outdoor activities and inter-island travel schedules
Extreme humidity makes physical activities exhausting - even short 2km (1.2 mile) walks feel strenuous
Higher accommodation rates during Christmas period with limited availability requiring 6-8 weeks advance booking

Best Activities in December

Underwater World Diving Expeditions

December offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year with 30-40m (98-131 ft) range and water temperatures at comfortable 28°C (82°F). WWII wrecks around Guadalcanal and pristine coral systems are at their most spectacular. Morning dives 7-11am avoid afternoon storms completely.

Booking Tip: Book certified PADI operators 14-21 days ahead during December peak season. Two-tank dives typically cost 800-1,200 SBD including equipment. All operators suspend afternoon dives during storm season 3-7pm. Reference booking widget for current dive packages.

Traditional Market Cultural Immersion

December brings unique seasonal produce and Christmas preparations to local markets. Honiara Central Market bustles 5:30-11am before the heat peaks. Witness traditional Christmas preparations using local ingredients like taro, cassava, and seasonal tropical fruits. Locals prepare traditional 'Christmas pudding' using island ingredients.

Booking Tip: Join guided market tours 6-9am to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Cultural walking tours typically cost 200-400 SBD per person. Local guides provide translations and cultural context. Check booking section below for current cultural tour options.

Inter-island Adventure Hopping

December's reliable morning weather patterns make inter-island travel predictable before afternoon storms hit. Western Province islands like Gizo offer excellent snorkeling and traditional village visits. Schedule all boat transfers 7am-2pm window before daily storm systems develop.

Booking Tip: Book island hopping packages 10-14 days ahead through licensed boat operators. Day trips typically cost 600-1,000 SBD including transfers and lunch. Always confirm weather contingency policies for storm delays. See current island tour options in booking section.

Dawn Bird Watching Expeditions

December migration season brings rare species to accessible locations. Rennell Island and Kolombangara offer exceptional endemic bird spotting 5:30-8:30am before heat becomes unbearable. Over 40 endemic species including the elusive Roviana rail are most active during these cool morning hours.

Booking Tip: Book specialized bird guides 2-3 weeks ahead - only 6-8 certified guides operate across the islands. Half-day tours typically cost 500-800 SBD including transport to prime locations. Essential to start at dawn before 35°C (95°F) temperatures. Check booking widget for available nature tours.

Historical WWII Site Exploration

December's clear morning weather provides optimal conditions for visiting outdoor historical sites before afternoon downpours. Guadalcanal battlefields, Henderson Field, and memorial sites are best explored 7am-1pm. Many sites lack shelter, making weather timing crucial for meaningful visits.

Booking Tip: Book guided historical tours 7-14 days ahead focusing on morning schedules. Full-day tours typically cost 400-700 SBD including transportation and expert commentary. All reputable operators end outdoor portions by 2pm before storms. Reference booking section for current historical tour packages.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

December marks peak fishing season when traditional techniques are most active. Malaita and Isabel provinces offer authentic village homestays where visitors can participate in morning fishing expeditions 5-10am using traditional methods. Experience genuine Melanesian hospitality during festive season preparations.

Booking Tip: Arrange village stays through community tourism operators 3-4 weeks ahead during December. Village experiences typically cost 300-600 SBD per day including meals and activities. Essential to coordinate with village chiefs and respect Christmas celebration periods. See cultural immersion options in booking widget below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Second Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture

Celebrating Melanesian artistic traditions with traditional dance, wood carving demonstrations, and shell money exhibitions. Features unique Solomon Islands string band competitions and traditional cooking displays using earth ovens.

December 7th commemorative events

Independence Day Celebrations

July 7th anniversary celebrated with traditional performances, local food festivals, and cultural displays throughout Honiara. Features traditional war canoe demonstrations and customary dress presentations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 and reflects off water surfaces

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - 85% humidity makes cotton unbearable and slow to dry after rain

Waterproof day pack with sealed compartments - daily 4-6pm thunderstorms drench everything within minutes

Lightweight rain poncho rather than umbrella - sudden wind gusts during storms make umbrellas useless

Electrolyte replacement tablets - extreme humidity causes rapid dehydration even during light activity

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat transfers and unexpected downpours during outdoor activities

Breathable hiking shoes with drainage - trails become muddy streams during afternoon storms

Mosquito net and DEET 30%+ repellent - December rains create breeding grounds for aggressive mosquito populations

Portable battery pack in waterproof case - power outages during storms are common in remote areas

Cash in small denominations (SBD) - many island operators and markets don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities 7am-2pm daily - locals know afternoon storms arrive precisely at 4pm and last until 7pm making outdoor plans impossible

Christmas in Solomon Islands blends Melanesian traditions with Christian celebration - communities prepare traditional foods using earth ovens and hold unique string band competitions featuring local compositions

Inter-island flights get cancelled frequently during December storms - always book accommodation with flexible dates and confirm morning flight schedules the night before

Local markets offer the best seasonal produce 5:30-8am before vendors close during afternoon heat - December brings rambutan, soursop, and special Christmas fruits unavailable other months