Things to Do in Solomon Islands in January

January Weather in Solomon Islands

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

277 mm (10.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - fresh rambutans, ngali nuts, and tropical fruits at village markets throughout January
Calm seas on leeward sides of islands with visibility reaching 25-30m (82-98 ft) for diving - best conditions of the year
Traditional kastom ceremonies more frequent as communities celebrate New Year transitions with string band competitions
School holidays mean local families travel, creating authentic cultural exchange opportunities at markets and festivals

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms between 2-5pm disrupt outdoor activities 60% of days - plan morning adventures
High humidity makes physical activities feel 5-8°C (9-14°F) hotter than actual temperature
Some remote outer island flights cancelled 2-3 days per week due to weather - build flexibility into island-hopping plans

Best Activities in January

Dawn Diving at Marovo Lagoon

January offers the calmest seas and clearest visibility of the year. Morning dives (6-10am) avoid afternoon storms while water temperature stays perfect at 28°C (82°F). Manta rays migrate through during January - 70% chance of encounters. The lagoon's 700 sq km (270 sq miles) of pristine reefs are at their most accessible.

Booking Tip: Book certified dive operators 2-3 weeks ahead as January is peak season for underwater visibility. Expect to pay SI$450-650 per two-tank dive. Look for operators with Nitrox certification and emergency oxygen. See current diving tour options in the booking section below.

World War II Historical Site Tours

January's drier mornings (before 2pm storms) are ideal for exploring Guadalcanal battlefields and aircraft wrecks. Cooler early hours make the 3-5km (1.9-3.1 mile) jungle treks comfortable. Local guides share oral histories passed down from wartime - January is storytelling season in Solomon culture.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural centers or museum-recommended guides, typically SI$200-350 per person for full-day tours. Essential to have local guide for both navigation and cultural protocol. Tours run 7am-2pm to avoid storms.

Traditional Village Homestays

January school holidays mean extended families gather in villages - perfect timing for authentic cultural immersion. Participate in copra drying, traditional cooking, and evening story sessions. Morning activities avoid afternoon rains while engaging with three generations of families.

Booking Tip: Arrange through provincial tourism offices 3-4 weeks ahead. Costs SI$120-200 per person per day including meals. Bring small gifts for children and elders. Book minimum 3 nights to build meaningful connections.

Sunrise Birdwatching in Cloud Forests

January's consistent dawn mists at 800-1200m (2,625-3,937 ft) elevation create perfect conditions for endemic species. Solomon Sea Eagles and Ultramarine Kingfishers most active 5:30-8am before heat builds. 15+ endemic species only found here - January offers clearest bird calls before afternoon thunder.

Booking Tip: Contact forest guides through eco-lodges, typically SI$180-280 per person for dawn sessions. Requires 4WD transport to trailheads. Binoculars essential - most guides don't provide equipment. Morning-only tours due to afternoon weather.

Island-Hopping by Traditional Canoe

January's calmer morning waters (before 1pm wind pickup) allow safe passage between close islands in traditional tomoko canoes. Experience navigation techniques using stars, currents, and bird behavior that Melanesian seafarers developed over millennia. 2-4 hour morning journeys between inhabited atolls.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village chiefs or cultural associations, typically SI$100-180 per person for half-day experiences. Must be confident swimmer. Weather-dependent - 30% cancellation rate due to afternoon storms. Book through community tourism groups.

Freshwater Swimming at Mataniko Falls

January rains create spectacular 15m (49 ft) waterfalls with cool, clear pools - perfect relief from coastal humidity. Morning swims (8-11am) offer refreshing 22°C (72°F) water before afternoon storms. 45-minute jungle walk each way requires proper footwear on slippery January trails.

Booking Tip: No formal tours needed - take local transport to trailhead for SI$25-40. Hire local guide for SI$50-80 for safety on wet trails. Essential to go with others - never swim alone. Morning timing crucial to avoid flash flooding from upstream storms.

January Events & Festivals

Various dates throughout January

Provincial Day Celebrations

Each province celebrates its establishment with traditional dancing, string band competitions, and communal feasts. Features authentic Melanesian performances rarely seen by tourists, including traditional warrior dances and shell money ceremonies

Early January

New Year Traditional Festivals

Village communities blend Christian New Year with traditional kastom ceremonies. Expect all-night singing, traditional food preparation, and community bonding activities. Outsiders welcome with proper cultural protocols

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry shorts and shirts - cotton takes 2+ days to dry in 70% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry overnight

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms bring heavy rain but last only 20-45 minutes

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 daily and reflects intensely off white coral sand

Closed-toe water shoes - essential for reef walking and protection from stone fish in shallows

Waterproof phone case - sudden downpours common and saltwater spray during boat transfers

Long-sleeve lightweight shirt - sun protection plus mosquito barrier during dawn/dusk activities

Wide-brim hat with chin strap - strong trade winds can snatch caps during boat rides

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - morning and evening mosquito activity high near freshwater areas

Headlamp with extra batteries - village accommodations often have limited electricity after 9pm

Dry bags in multiple sizes - protect electronics, documents, and clean clothes from humidity and rain

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for morning departures - Solomon Airlines cancels 40% of afternoon flights in January due to thunderstorms

Carry SI$50-100 in small bills - village markets and local guides rarely have change for large denominations

Learn basic Pijin greetings like 'Gud morning' and 'Tankyu tumas' - locals respond much more warmly to visitors who attempt local language

Stock up on snacks in Honiara - outer islands have limited food options and stores close unexpectedly during family obligations

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - 60% chance of thunderstorms ruins afternoon plans, always schedule adventures for morning

Bringing only sandals - sharp coral, sea urchins, and muddy jungle trails require closed-toe protection

Not carrying cash - ATMs only exist in Honiara and Gizo, cards rarely accepted elsewhere in the islands