Things to Do in Solomon Islands in November

November Weather in Solomon Islands

30°C (87°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

142 mm (5.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime diving season with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility at sites like Russell Islands - water temperature hits ideal 28°C (82°F) as southeast trades calm the seas
WWII wreck diving at peak conditions - The Toa Maru and Kinugawa Maru wrecks in Ironbottom Sound are most accessible with minimal current and clear water
Traditional kastom ceremonies coincide with yam harvest season - villages in Malaita and Isabel provinces hold thanksgiving rituals you won't see other times of year
Optimal weather window for outer island exploration - 70% humidity is the year's lowest, making multi-day trips to Temotu and Rennell Island more comfortable

Considerations

Accommodation availability drops 40% as resorts close for annual maintenance - Agnes Gateway Hotel and similar properties shut down mid-November through early December
Inter-island flight schedules reduce to 3x weekly on Solomon Airlines routes to outer provinces, limiting spontaneous travel flexibility
Market produce variety decreases as dry season intensifies - fresh vegetables become scarce and expensive, with imported goods costing 30-50% more

Best Activities in November

WWII Historical Wreck Diving

November offers the year's best wreck diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and minimal current. The Kinugawa Maru, Toa Maru, and over 40 other wrecks in Ironbottom Sound are most accessible now. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F), perfect for longer bottom times exploring these intact warships.

Booking Tip: Book through PADI-certified operators 14-21 days ahead as November is peak wreck season. Two-tank dives typically cost SI$800-1,200. Look for operators with Nitrox certification and wreck specialization. See current diving tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Village Kastom Ceremonies

November coincides with yam harvest thanksgiving ceremonies in Malaita and Isabel provinces. These authentic cultural experiences include shell money exchanges, traditional dancing, and feast preparations you won't encounter during tourist seasons. Villages welcome respectful visitors during these community celebrations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through provincial tourism offices or established cultural tour operators 3-4 weeks ahead. Ceremony participation fees range SI$150-300 plus transport. Bring appropriate gifts (white rice, tinned fish) as custom dictates. Current cultural tour options available in booking section below.

Marovo Lagoon Kayaking Expeditions

The world's largest saltwater lagoon offers perfect November conditions - calm waters, 70% humidity (year's lowest), and 8+ hours of daylight for extended paddling. Navigate through traditional fishing villages and pristine coral gardens without the intense heat of other months.

Booking Tip: Multi-day kayaking expeditions typically cost SI$2,000-3,500 including meals and village accommodation. Book through eco-tourism certified operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Equipment quality varies significantly - ensure life jackets and paddles are included. Current lagoon tour options in booking section below.

Rennell Island Endemic Bird Watching

November marks peak activity for Rennell's endemic species including the Rennell Starling and Rennell Shrikebill. The island's unique raised coral atoll ecosystem is most accessible now with lower humidity making forest walks bearable. Lake Tegano, the world's largest freshwater lake on a coral atoll, offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

Booking Tip: Access requires special permits through Ministry of Environment - arrange 4-6 weeks ahead. Charter flights from Honiara cost SI$3,000-4,500 return per person minimum 4 passengers. Bring high-quality binoculars and field guides. Current bird watching tour options available in booking section below.

Russell Islands Snorkeling Safaris

November's calm seas and 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility make Russell Islands' pristine coral reefs most spectacular. Pavuvu and Banika islands offer untouched hard coral formations and diverse fish populations without the surge and choppy conditions of other months.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost SI$400-600 including equipment and lunch. Book through licensed marine operators with proper safety equipment - verify radio communication and first aid certification. Trips depart Honiara 7am, return 4pm. Current snorkeling tour options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Provincial Yam Harvest Festivals

Traditional thanksgiving ceremonies across Malaita and Isabel provinces celebrating successful yam harvests. Features authentic shell money exchanges, traditional string band competitions, and community feasting with visitors welcome to observe and participate respectfully.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-factor reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during diving and snorkeling

Quick-dry hiking pants in earth tones - essential for village visits and forest walks where cultural modesty and insect protection both matter

Waterproof day pack 25-30L capacity - sudden 20-30 minute downpours occur on 10 days, need to protect electronics and documents

Lightweight merino wool base layers - 70% humidity still requires moisture-wicking materials, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable quickly

Dive booties or water shoes - essential for reef walking and beach entries, local marine life includes stonefish and urchins

Insect repellent containing 20% DEET minimum - malaria risk exists on most islands, dengue fever cases spike during November rains

Headlamp with red filter - power outages common outside Honiara, red light preserves night vision for nocturnal wildlife observation

Cash in small denominations - ATMs only exist in Honiara and Auki, villages operate entirely on cash transactions for fees and purchases

Snorkel gear if experienced diver - rental quality varies dramatically, bringing your own mask ensures proper fit for extended water time

Lightweight binoculars 8x32 or 10x42 - essential for bird watching and whale spotting from inter-island ferries

Insider Knowledge

Local markets in Honiara's central area stock freshest produce Monday/Wednesday/Friday early mornings - arrive by 7am before selection depletes and heat spoils items

Inter-island MV Pelican ferry runs irregular November schedules due to maintenance - always confirm departure times 24 hours ahead at Port Authority office, not online sources

Village protocol requires presenting gifts to chiefs before photography or exploration - white rice (1-2kg bags) and tinned fish are universally appropriate and available at any trade store

Solomon Airlines domestic flights frequently delay or cancel due to weather - book morning departures when possible and allow 2-3 day buffer before international connections

Avoid These Mistakes

Arriving without confirmed accommodation - many resorts and guesthouses close mid-November for maintenance, leaving travelers stranded with limited options in Honiara

Underestimating cash needs - credit cards only work at major hotels in Honiara, everywhere else requires Solomon Island dollars in small denominations for fees and purchases

Booking diving trips without verifying Nitrox certification - many operators lack proper gas mixing equipment, limiting dive times and depths at premier wreck sites