Things to Do in Solomon Islands in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Solomon Islands
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December marks the start of the Northwest Monsoon season, which actually brings calmer seas on the leeward side of major islands - meaning better visibility for diving and snorkeling at sites like Mbike Island and the Russell Islands, where underwater visibility can reach 25-30 m (82-98 ft) compared to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) during other months
- School holidays haven't started in Australia and New Zealand yet (they typically begin mid-December), so the first two weeks offer significantly lower accommodation prices - you're looking at 20-30% cheaper rates at places in Gizo and Munda compared to the Christmas week rush
- Ngali nut harvesting season is in full swing, and you'll find fresh ngali everywhere at Honiara Central Market - locals roast them with a bit of salt, and they're honestly one of those flavors you can't get anywhere else. December is also when you'll see the most variety of tropical fruits like soursop and custard apple
- Water temperatures sit around 28-29°C (82-84°F), which means you can snorkel or dive comfortably without a wetsuit for extended periods - perfect for exploring WWII wrecks like the Toa Maru in Bonegi Beach without getting cold after 45 minutes
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread - when it rains in December, it tends to come in intense afternoon downpours that can last 1-3 hours and completely shut down boat operations. If you're planning island hopping, you might lose half a day waiting for conditions to clear, and domestic flights occasionally get delayed
- The 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures creates that sticky, energy-sapping heat that makes walking around Honiara between 11am-3pm genuinely uncomfortable. You'll want to shower twice daily, and anything you hang to dry won't actually dry - it just becomes less wet
- December is peak mosquito season due to increased rainfall, and dengue fever cases typically rise during this period. You'll need to be religious about repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and the constant buzzing in your room at night gets old quickly if your accommodation doesn't have good screens
Best Activities in December
WWII Wreck Diving and Snorkeling
December's calmer northwest winds make this the ideal time to dive the Iron Bottom Sound wrecks near Guadalcanal. The Japanese transport ship Kinugawa Maru sits in just 10-25 m (33-82 ft) of water off Bonegi Beach, shallow enough for confident snorkelers but deep enough for proper wreck penetration dives. Visibility in December typically reaches 20-25 m (66-82 ft), and you'll actually see schools of barracuda and batfish circling the wreckage. Water temperature at 28°C (82°F) means you can spend 60-90 minutes exploring without a wetsuit getting uncomfortable. The coral growth on these 80-year-old wrecks is remarkable - you'll see massive table corals that have completely engulfed gun turrets.
Traditional Village Cultural Experiences
December coincides with preparations for Christmas celebrations, which blend traditional Melanesian customs with Christian practices in fascinating ways. Villages in Western Province and Malaita are preparing string band performances and traditional feasts. You'll see women weaving pandanus leaf decorations and men carving wooden bowls for communal meals. The humidity actually makes certain traditional crafts easier - basket weaving with freshly cut vines works better when materials are pliable from moisture. Visiting during this preparation period means you'll witness authentic cultural practices rather than staged performances, though you absolutely need to arrange visits through proper channels with village permission.
Marovo Lagoon Kayaking and Island Camping
The world's largest double-barrier lagoon is spectacular in December when northwest winds create protected paddling conditions on the lagoon's eastern side. You can kayak between traditional stilt villages, camping on uninhabited islands where the only sounds are fruit bats and waves. December's longer daylight hours (sunrise around 5:30am, sunset around 6:45pm) give you more paddling time, and the occasional afternoon rain actually provides welcome cooling. The lagoon water sits at a bathlike 28°C (82°F), so capsizing isn't a crisis - just roll back in. You'll likely see dolphins, and if you're exceptionally lucky, dugongs feeding on seagrass beds in shallow areas.
Kolombangara Volcano Rainforest Trekking
This dormant volcano rises to 1,770 m (5,807 ft) and December is actually one of the better months for the summit trek despite the rain. The trails are muddy regardless of season, but December's cloud cover makes the exposed ridge sections more bearable - you're not getting hammered by direct sun at high altitude. The rainforest is incredibly lush right now, and you'll see endemic birds like the Solomons cockatoo more actively feeding in the morning. The summit push takes 8-10 hours return from the trailhead, and you'll need a local guide who knows the unmarked trail junctions. That said, afternoon storms can roll in around 2-3pm, so you need to start by 5:30am to summit and descend before conditions deteriorate.
Honiara Central Market and Local Food Tours
December brings the best variety of tropical produce to Honiara's Central Market - you'll find rambutan, soursop, starfruit, and about six varieties of bananas you've never seen before. The market operates Tuesday-Saturday (busiest on Saturday mornings), and the covered sections provide shelter from those afternoon downpours. This is where you'll taste authentic Solomon Islands food - cassava pudding wrapped in banana leaves, grilled fish with coconut cream, and fresh ngali nuts roasted over charcoal. The betel nut vendors are fascinating to watch, though the red spit stains everywhere take some getting used to. Going with someone who speaks Pijin helps enormously for understanding what you're actually buying.
Kennedy Island and Lagoon Exploration
This tiny island in the Nggela Islands is where JFK swam after his PT-109 was sunk in 1943, and December's calm lagoon conditions make it perfect for boat trips from Honiara. The 60-90 minute boat ride across Ironbottom Sound is usually smooth in December mornings, and you can snorkel the reef surrounding the island where visibility reaches 20 m (66 ft). The island itself takes about 15 minutes to walk around, and there's a simple memorial. What makes this special is the combination of WWII history and pristine reef - you'll see giant clams, reef sharks, and coral formations that have been growing since before the war. Pack a lunch and make a half-day of it.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Preparations and String Band Rehearsals
Throughout December, villages across the Solomons prepare for Christmas with traditional string band music rehearsals. These aren't tourist performances - they're community events where villages compete to have the best Christmas songs. The music blends ukulele, guitar, and bamboo percussion with four-part harmonies that are genuinely beautiful. If you're staying near villages in Western Province or Malaita, you'll hear rehearsals most evenings. Some villages welcome respectful visitors to watch, but you need local permission - don't just show up.
Guadalcanal Independence Anniversary Events
December 7th marks the anniversary of significant WWII events on Guadalcanal, and there are usually small commemorative ceremonies at key battle sites like Henderson Field (now Honiara International Airport) and the American Memorial. These are low-key, respectful events rather than big productions - you'll see veterans (both local and occasionally visiting), wreath layings, and sometimes traditional dances. Worth attending if you're interested in WWII history and happen to be in Honiara on that date.