Things to Do in Solomon Islands in June

June Weather in Solomon Islands

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

97 mm (3.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Prime diving season with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility - June marks the start of the southeast trade winds bringing crystal-clear waters to popular sites around Gizo and Uepi Island
Traditional kastom festival season - June coincides with harvest celebrations in many villages, offering authentic cultural experiences without tourist crowds
Optimal bird watching conditions - migratory species arrive from Australia while resident endemics are most active during cooler morning temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F)
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - June falls in shoulder season with resort rates typically 30-40% lower than July-September peak period

Considerations

Unpredictable weather patterns - June sits between seasons with sudden afternoon squalls that can cancel boat transfers for 2-3 hours without warning
Limited flight frequencies - Solomon Airlines reduces Honiara-Gizo routes to 4 weekly in June, requiring flexible scheduling
Some outer island resorts close - Remote properties in Temotu and Choiseul provinces often shut down June-July for maintenance during lower demand

Best Activities in June

World War II Historical Diving Tours

June offers exceptional visibility 25-30m (82-98ft) around Guadalcanal's underwater wrecks. The southeast trades haven't fully established, creating calm conditions perfect for exploring the Bonegi I and II wrecks in 6-12m (20-39ft) of water. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F) with minimal current.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Expect to pay SBD 800-1,200 per dive including equipment. Look for operators offering historical briefings - the context makes these dives exceptional. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Village Kastom Cultural Experiences

June marks traditional harvest season when many villages hold kastom ceremonies celebrating yam and sweet potato harvests. Morning temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F) make village visits comfortable, and afternoon rain patterns actually enhance the experience as you shelter with locals. This is when you see authentic Solomon Islander culture, not tourist performances.

Booking Tip: Arrange through village-based cultural tourism operators 7-10 days ahead. Costs typically SBD 300-600 per person including traditional lunch and ceremonial participation. Ensure operators provide proper cultural briefings and village protocols. See current cultural tour options in the booking section.

Endemic Bird Watching Expeditions

June combines resident endemic species with arriving Australian migrants. Early morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) mean birds are highly active 5:30-8:30am. Target species include Solomon Sea Eagle, Woodford's Rail, and Melanesian Kingfisher. The 70% humidity creates perfect conditions for extended forest walks without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book through certified eco-guides 10-14 days ahead. Full-day expeditions cost SBD 600-1,000 including transport to Kolombangara or Rennell. Look for guides trained by BirdLife International. Early bookings essential as only 3-4 qualified guides operate year-round.

Traditional Fishing and Island Hopping

June's variable weather creates excellent fishing conditions - local fishermen say the changing pressure systems trigger feeding activity. Morning calm periods 6-10am are ideal for traditional outrigger canoe trips between smaller islands in Western Province. Afternoon squalls provide dramatic scenery and cultural shelter experiences.

Booking Tip: Arrange through family-operated fishing tours 5-7 days ahead. Half-day trips cost SBD 400-700 per person including traditional lunch preparation of your catch. Ensure operators provide life jackets and radio communication. Weather flexibility required - have backup indoor activities planned.

Rainforest Canopy Walks and Waterfall Trekking

June's 97mm (3.8 inches) rainfall keeps waterfalls flowing without creating dangerous flood conditions. The 70% humidity is actually ideal for forest trekking - high enough to keep dust down but not oppressive like later dry season months. Morning temperatures of 22-24°C (72-75°F) allow comfortable 3-4 hour treks.

Booking Tip: Book certified eco-guides 7-10 days ahead. Day treks cost SBD 500-800 including packed lunch and safety equipment. Essential to use trained guides - unmarked trails and weather changes make self-guiding dangerous. Verify guides carry emergency communications and first aid certification.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June

Provincial Harvest Festivals

Traditional celebrations marking yam and sweet potato harvests vary by province but peak in June. Features traditional dancing, kastom ceremonies, and communal feasting. Each village celebrates differently - some focus on spiritual ceremonies, others emphasize competitive traditional sports and storytelling.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon squalls in June are intense but brief (20-30 minutes), and you'll appreciate staying dry during boat transfers

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with water reflection creates serious burn risk, and many reefs are protected areas requiring reef-safe products

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo fiber clothing - synthetic fabrics become unbearable in 70% humidity, natural fibers breathe much better

Waterproof dry bags in multiple sizes - essential for protecting electronics, documents, and spare clothes during boat transfers and village visits

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - many village beaches have sharp coral fragments and boat landings require walking through shallow water over uneven surfaces

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - evening mosquitoes are persistent and some remote areas have malaria risk, particularly near mangrove areas

Compact umbrella in addition to rain jacket - useful for village visits where you're walking between traditional structures without full shelter

Cash in small denominations (SBD 5, 10, 20 notes) - many village experiences and local transport operate on exact change basis, ATMs are rare outside Honiara

Basic first aid supplies including antiseptic - small cuts from coral or rough boat surfaces are common and can become infected quickly in humid conditions

Headlamp with extra batteries - village accommodations may have limited electricity, and early morning bird watching or cultural ceremonies often start before dawn

Insider Knowledge

Local weather wisdom: When morning clouds form over the central mountains by 10am, expect afternoon rain by 2-3pm. Use this to time outdoor activities - locals plan fishing and travel for early morning specifically in June.

Currency strategy: Bring Australian dollars in good condition - exchange rates are better than USD, and damaged notes are often rejected. Keep SBD for village visits where AUD isn't accepted.

Cultural protocol: June harvest season means many communities are busy with traditional obligations. Always arrange village visits through proper channels - showing up unannounced during harvest activities is considered extremely rude.

Flight booking timing: Solomon Airlines releases June schedules in March but doesn't publish discounts until April. Book flights by early May - June routes often sell out to Australian fishing groups and researchers taking advantage of optimal weather.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all islands have the same weather - Western Province gets more rain in June while Temotu Province can be significantly drier. Check specific regional forecasts for your intended destinations.

Packing only lightweight sandals - many cultural sites and forest walks require closed shoes, and boat decks can be slippery. Village protocols often require covered feet in ceremonial areas.

Not bringing sufficient cash - card acceptance is extremely limited outside Honiara, and village experiences, local transport, and small guesthouses operate cash-only. Budget SBD 200-400 daily for local expenses.