Things to Do in Solomon Islands in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Solomon Islands

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Consistent southeast trade winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) make diving conditions at sites like Shark Point and Twin Tunnels ideal with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility
March marks peak dry season with only 10 rainy days - perfect timing for multi-day island hopping without weather delays affecting domestic flights or boat transfers
Water temperature peaks at 28°C (82°F) making snorkeling comfortable without thick wetsuits, while air temperatures of 30°C (86°F) dry quickly after water activities
Local markets overflow with seasonal produce including ngali nuts and fresh coconut crab - March is prime harvest season for traditional Solomon Islander cuisine

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 40-60% during March dry season peak, with waterfront lodges booking out 8-12 weeks in advance
Afternoon humidity reaches 85% between 1-4pm, making inland jungle treks uncomfortable during midday hours - most activities shift to early morning starts at 6am
Tourist volume doubles compared to wet season months, particularly at popular sites like Skull Island and Bonegi Beach where morning arrivals are essential to avoid crowds

Best Activities in March

Guadalcanal WWII Historical Tours

March's dry conditions make jungle battlefields and crash sites accessible via 4WD, with clear skies perfect for spotting aircraft wreckage at Henderson Field. Morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours through humid rainforest areas. Local guides share oral histories passed down from villagers who witnessed battles.

Booking Tip: Book historical tours 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed guides certified by the Solomon Islands Tourism Authority. Tours typically cost SI$800-1,200 ($95-145 USD) including transport from Honiara. Look for guides with family connections to wartime events for authentic storytelling.

Malaita Cultural Village Experiences

March coincides with traditional fishing season when villages demonstrate ancestral techniques using bamboo traps and traditional nets. Dry weather allows comfortable overnight stays in leaf houses, with morning temperatures perfect for participating in daily activities like basket weaving and food preparation using earth ovens.

Booking Tip: Village stays require 10-14 days advance notice to arrange homestays and coordinate with village chiefs. Expect to pay SI$400-600 ($48-72 USD) per day including meals and cultural activities. Book through community-based tourism operators who ensure fair payment to villagers.

Western Province Island Hopping

March's calm seas and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for multi-day boat journeys between Gizo, Kennedy Island, and remote atolls. Water visibility reaches 30m (98 ft) for snorkeling, while consistent winds of 15 km/h (9 mph) provide comfortable sailing conditions without rough swells.

Booking Tip: Charter boats require 3-4 weeks advance booking during March peak season. Multi-day packages cost SI$2,000-3,500 ($240-420 USD) per person for 4-5 days including meals and accommodation. Choose operators with satellite communication equipment for safety in remote areas.

Rennell Island Lake Tegano Exploration

March's dry season provides the only reliable access to this UNESCO World Heritage site, with domestic flights operating on schedule and lake levels perfect for traditional canoe expeditions. Endemic bird species are most active during cooler morning hours at 24°C (75°F), making wildlife photography optimal.

Booking Tip: Rennell Island permits and domestic flights must be arranged 4-6 weeks ahead as Solomon Airlines operates limited services. Total expedition costs SI$3,000-4,500 ($360-540 USD) for 3-4 days including flights, permits, guides, and meals. Weather delays are minimal in March.

Marovo Lagoon Diving Expeditions

March delivers the year's best diving conditions with minimal current, warm 28°C (82°F) water temperature, and visibility exceeding 35m (115 ft). Coral spawning events occur mid-March, creating spectacular underwater photography opportunities. Surface conditions remain calm with waves under 1m (3 ft).

Booking Tip: Dive operators book solid during March - reserve liveaboard trips 6-8 weeks ahead. Daily diving costs SI$800-1,200 ($95-145 USD) for two-tank dives including equipment. Choose PADI-certified operators with emergency oxygen and first aid certification for remote lagoon diving.

Isabel Island Rainforest Trekking

March's drier conditions make river crossings safer for accessing Isabel's interior highlands and pristine waterfalls. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) provide comfortable hiking conditions before afternoon humidity peaks. Endemic orchids and birds are most active during March's flowering season.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides require 2-3 weeks booking lead time through village-based ecotourism groups. Multi-day treks cost SI$600-900 ($72-108 USD) per day including guide fees and village accommodation. Ensure guides carry satellite beacons as mobile coverage is non-existent in interior areas.

March Events & Festivals

March 7th

Independence Day Celebrations

March 7th marks Solomon Islands' independence with traditional dancing, cultural displays, and community feasts throughout the country. Honiara hosts the largest celebrations with performances by cultural groups from all provinces, traditional food markets, and evening entertainment at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Mid March

Provincial Government Week

Mid-March sees provincial assemblies gather for annual sessions, creating opportunities to witness traditional governance ceremonies and cultural protocols. Many provinces organize public festivals showcasing local customs, traditional foods, and handicraft demonstrations for visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and shorts - 70% humidity means cotton takes 6+ hours to dry after washing

Reef-safe zinc oxide sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes, and many reefs are protected areas

Lightweight rain poncho - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-45 minutes with limited shelter on boats or trails

Water shoes with drainage holes - coral, sea urchins, and sharp rocks are common in shallow lagoon areas

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - dengue mosquitoes are active during day hours, malaria mosquitoes emerge at dusk

Dry bag rated to 20L (5.3 gallons) - essential for phone, camera, and documents during boat transfers and unexpected rain

Portable battery pack 20,000mAh minimum - power outages are common and remote areas lack electricity entirely

Basic first aid supplies including antiseptic - medical facilities are limited outside Honiara and infections develop quickly in tropical humidity

Cash in Solomon Islands dollars - ATMs only exist in Honiara and Gizo, rural areas operate entirely on cash transactions

Lightweight long pants and sleeves - required for village visits and evening protection from mosquitoes and sandflies

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic Solomon Airlines flights immediately after international ticket confirmation - March routes to outer provinces sell out 6-8 weeks ahead with no alternative transport options

Withdraw maximum SI$2,000 ($240 USD) daily from Honiara ATMs before departing to outer islands - rural areas have zero banking facilities and most activities require cash payment

Pack 2-3 days extra medication and supplies beyond your planned stay - weather delays can extend trips unexpectedly, and medical supplies are unavailable outside main centers

Learn basic Pijin phrases like 'tankiu tumas' (thank you very much) and 'wanem nao nem blong yu' (what is your name) - English is official but Pijin opens doors in rural communities where tourism is rare