Things to Do in Solomon Islands in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Solomon Islands

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - local varieties like kwila and moli are at their sweetest and cheapest (SBD 5-8 per kg)
Cyclone season means dramatic cloud formations and the most spectacular sunsets of the year, especially around 6:15 PM
Flying foxes are most active during fruit season - evening viewing at Tenaru Falls is incredible in January
Fewer tourists mean better prices on accommodations (20-30% lower than dry season) and more authentic local interactions

Considerations

Cyclone season brings unpredictable weather - flights can be cancelled with 24-48 hours notice, especially inter-island connections
Daily humidity averaging 85% makes any physical activity exhausting between 10 AM and 4 PM
Many dirt roads become impassable after heavy rains - particularly access to remote waterfalls and highland areas

Best Activities in January

Guadalcanal WWII Historical Tours

January's frequent cloud cover provides relief from the brutal sun when exploring Bloody Ridge, Henderson Field, and Red Beach. Rain makes the jungle sections more atmospheric and the red soil more vivid. Morning tours (7-11 AM) work best before afternoon storms hit.

Booking Tip: Book with war history specialists who know shelter spots for sudden downpours. Tours typically cost SBD 800-1,200 per person. Many guides are descendants of coast watchers and have family stories not found in books. Book 5-7 days ahead through hotels or see current tour options in booking section below.

Munda Lagoon Diving Experiences

January brings the calmest seas of the wet season with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility. Water temperature reaches 29°C (84°F) making it comfortable for longer dives. The Toa Maru and Corsair wrecks are spectacular with less current. Afternoon storms create dramatic lighting underwater.

Booking Tip: Dive operators typically charge SBD 600-900 for two-tank dives. Book morning departures (8 AM) to avoid afternoon weather. PADI certification required for wreck penetration dives. Equipment rental available but bring your own mask for best fit. Check current dive packages in booking section below.

Marovo Lagoon Cultural Village Stays

January is traditional fishing season when local families use ancestral techniques. Join morning fishing expeditions and learn traditional navigation. Evening cultural performances happen under cover during rain. The wet season brings lush vegetation making village walks incredibly green.

Booking Tip: Village homestays cost SBD 300-500 per night including meals. Book minimum 10 days ahead through Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. Bring gifts for host families - school supplies are most appreciated. Payment in cash only. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Honiara Central Market Food Exploration

January brings the year's best tropical fruits - try fresh ngali nuts, solomon apples, and multiple mango varieties. Market is most active 6-9 AM before the heat builds. Covered areas provide shelter during afternoon downpours. Local lap lap cooking demonstrations happen Tuesday and Friday mornings.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours cost SBD 200-350 per person including tastings. Independent exploration is free but bring SBD 100-200 for fruit purchases. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat. Most vendors speak basic English. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Rennell Island Tengano Lake Expeditions

The world's largest raised coral atoll lake is at its most dramatic in January with storm clouds reflecting in the water. Endemic water birds are nesting, making wildlife viewing exceptional. Cooler mornings (24°C/75°F) are perfect for the 2 km (1.2 mile) forest walk to the lake.

Booking Tip: Full day trips cost SBD 1,800-2,500 including flights from Honiara. Weather can delay flights - always book with flexible dates. Local guides mandatory for lake access. Bring waterproof camera gear. Tours limited to 8 people maximum. Check current expedition availability in booking section below.

Gizo Island Resort Water Activities

January's frequent afternoon storms create perfect conditions for covered-pavilion relaxation between snorkeling sessions. Morning glass-bottom boat tours offer calm seas and excellent coral viewing. Resort pools provide retreat during heavy downpours while maintaining tropical atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Resort day passes cost SBD 400-600 including lunch and water activities. Book accommodation packages for better value - 3 nights minimum typically required. Snorkeling gear included but diving equipment costs extra SBD 300-400 per day. See current resort packages in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Honiara Mango Festival

Local celebration of peak mango season featuring traditional preparation methods, variety tastings, and cultural performances. Dozens of endemic varieties unavailable anywhere else in the world. Local families compete in traditional mango-based dish preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Ultra-lightweight rain poncho - umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours and high winds

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 11 and you'll be near pristine coral systems

Waterproof phone case and camera gear - afternoon storms arrive with zero warning

Electrolyte tablets - you'll sweat constantly in the humidity and need mineral replacement

Antifungal foot powder - wet conditions and humidity create perfect conditions for athlete's foot

Long-sleeve UV protection shirts - for boat trips where shade is limited

Waterproof hiking boots for muddy trails - flip flops won't cut it after rains

Mosquito head net for dawn/dusk activities - wet season brings peak mosquito activity

Portable phone charger - power outages during storms can last 3-6 hours

Insider Knowledge

Local families harvest rainwater during January storms - drinking water can be scarce in outer islands, so stock up in Honiara

Inter-island flights operate on 'island time' during wet season - always have backup plans and flexible bookings for connecting flights

The best shell money (traditional currency) craftsmen work during rainy days when they can't fish - visit workshops in Malaita for authentic pieces

Local weather predictions are more accurate than official forecasts - ask your guesthouse host about afternoon storm timing