Things to Do in Solomon Islands in May

May Weather in Solomon Islands

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak visibility for diving - May offers exceptional underwater clarity at 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility at major dive sites before the wet season impacts water quality
Optimal weather window for remote island access - seas are calmer with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells, allowing safe passage to outer atolls that become inaccessible during June-August storms
Traditional fishing season celebrations - local communities hold seasonal blessing ceremonies and share fresh catches, offering authentic cultural experiences before tourist season peaks
Perfect temperature balance - daytime highs of 30°C (87°F) are ideal for water activities while 23°C (73°F) nights provide comfortable sleeping without excessive air conditioning costs

Considerations

Afternoon rainfall disrupts outdoor plans - 60% chance of daily showers between 2-5pm lasting 30-45 minutes, requiring flexible scheduling and indoor backup activities
High humidity creates energy drain - 70% humidity combined with heat makes midday activities exhausting, limiting peak adventure hours to early morning and late afternoon
Limited infrastructure during transition period - some remote lodge operations run reduced services as they prepare for wet season closures, affecting dining and activity availability

Best Activities in May

Guadalcanal WWII Historical Tours

May's mild temperatures make exploring extensive battlefields and museums comfortable without the energy-sapping heat of dry season. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are perfect for walking the 3km (1.9 mile) Kokoda Trail section and visiting outdoor memorials. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving you 6-7 hours of prime exploration time.

Booking Tip: Book historical tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed cultural guides. Expect to pay SI$400-600 (US$50-75) for full-day guided experiences. Look for operators certified by the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Marovo Lagoon Kayaking Expeditions

May offers ideal conditions for multi-day lagoon paddling with calm waters and manageable 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells. Water temperature sits at perfect 26°C (79°F), and afternoon showers provide natural cooling breaks. This is the last month before wet season storms make outer lagoon areas unsafe for kayaking.

Booking Tip: Reserve lagoon kayaking 14-21 days ahead as only 3-4 operators run expeditions. Multi-day packages typically cost SI$800-1200 (US$100-150) per day including meals and equipment. Ensure operators provide emergency communication devices for remote areas. See current options in booking widget below.

Rennell Island Endemic Wildlife Tours

May's stable weather creates optimal conditions for spotting endemic species before they become less active during wet season. The 70% humidity supports active wildlife behavior, and minimal rainfall means clear access to Lake Tegano via the 8km (5 mile) forest track. Bird activity peaks in early mornings when temperatures are 23°C (73°F).

Booking Tip: Book Rennell wildlife tours 10-14 days ahead through conservation-certified guides. Expect SI$600-900 (US$75-110) for 2-day packages including accommodation. Verify guides have current permits for UNESCO World Heritage site access. Current tour operators available in booking section.

Gizo Island Diving Expeditions

May delivers peak diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility and water temperatures of 27°C (81°F). Before wet season runoff impacts water clarity, you'll experience pristine coral walls and intact WWII wrecks. Afternoon surface intervals align perfectly with May's brief rain showers.

Booking Tip: Reserve dive packages 7-14 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Multi-dive packages run SI$300-500 (US$40-65) per day with equipment. Verify operators carry dive insurance and emergency oxygen. Nitrox certification recommended for multiple deep dives. Check current dive operators in booking widget.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersions

May timing coincides with post-harvest celebrations and traditional fishing blessing ceremonies. Comfortable evening temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make participating in evening cultural activities pleasant. Communities are most welcoming before wet season isolation begins, offering genuine interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Arrange village stays 14-21 days ahead through community tourism networks. Homestay packages typically cost SI$200-350 (US$25-45) per day including meals and activities. Ensure arrangements include cultural protocol briefings. Look for community-certified programs in current booking options below.

Tetepare Island Conservation Projects

May weather supports comfortable outdoor conservation work with manageable humidity and afternoon rain providing natural work breaks. Turtle nesting season begins, offering unique research participation opportunities. Moderate temperatures make forest restoration activities feasible without heat exhaustion risks.

Booking Tip: Book conservation programs 21-30 days ahead as volunteer spots are limited. Programs cost SI$400-700 (US$50-85) per day including accommodation and meals. Verify programs are registered with Solomon Islands environment ministry. Current conservation tour options available in booking section.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Traditional Fishing Season Blessing Ceremonies

Local communities across the islands perform traditional ceremonies blessing fishing canoes and nets for the upcoming season. These authentic cultural events involve traditional dancing, local food sharing, and canoe blessing rituals that visitors can respectfully observe with community permission.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and long sleeves - essential for 70% humidity conditions and protection from afternoon UV index of 8 while allowing rapid drying after brief showers

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV reflection off water intensifies exposure, and many dive sites prohibit chemical sunscreens that damage coral systems

Waterproof day pack with dry bags - afternoon showers lasting 30-45 minutes require electronics and documents protection during outdoor activities

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - May showers are warm at 26°C (79°F) so breathable rain gear prevents overheating while staying dry

Merino wool or synthetic base layers - natural fabrics become soggy in 70% humidity while technical fabrics maintain comfort and dry quickly

Water shoes with ankle support - volcanic rocky shores and coral require sturdy foot protection, while quick-dry materials handle frequent wet-dry cycles

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - May humidity increases mosquito activity, especially during evening cultural activities and early morning wildlife viewing

Portable power bank in waterproof case - remote locations have limited charging access, and afternoon rains require weather protection for electronics

Cash in small Solomon Island dollar denominations - many remote areas operate cash-only, and having SI$20-50 notes facilitates community purchases and tips

Sarong or lightweight cover-up - essential for respectful village visits and provides versatile protection from sun, wind, and light rain

Insider Knowledge

Schedule activities for 6-11am and after 5pm - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon rains by timing work around May's weather patterns, giving you more authentic interaction opportunities during these cooler periods

Bring instant coffee or tea bags as gifts for homestays - remote communities highly value these items that are expensive to transport, and sharing hot drinks during evening conversations creates meaningful connections

Download offline maps before departing Honiara - mobile coverage drops significantly outside main islands, and afternoon weather can interrupt satellite GPS, making downloaded maps essential for remote island navigation

Pack extra plastic bags and silica gel packets - May's humidity destroys electronics, medications, and documents quickly; locals use airtight storage religiously and you should too

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities - tourists consistently underestimate May's 2-5pm rain pattern and end up trapped or soaked during planned hikes, cultural site visits, or island transfers

Bringing only cotton clothing - first-time visitors pack cotton thinking it's cooler, but 70% humidity means cotton stays wet for hours while synthetic fabrics dry in minutes

Underestimating cash needs - many tourists assume cards work everywhere, but remote island communities, dive operators, and cultural guides operate cash-only, leaving visitors unable to pay for essential services