Things to Do in Solomon Islands in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Solomon Islands
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November marks the start of the northwest monsoon season, which actually brings calmer seas to the western islands like Gizo and Vella Lavella - visibility for diving regularly hits 25-30 m (82-98 ft) at sites like Twin Tunnels and Hellcat wreck, compared to the murkier 15-20 m (49-66 ft) you'd get during southeast trades
- School holidays don't align with most Western countries in November, so you'll find accommodation rates running about 20-30% lower than the July-August peak, and you can actually book domestic Solomon Airlines flights without the usual three-week advance scramble
- The humidity sits around 70% rather than the oppressive 85%+ you'd experience in January or February - still tropical but tolerable for full-day activities without feeling completely drained by 2pm
- November is prime season for catching pelagics at offshore sites - manta rays congregate at cleaning stations around Mbulo Island and Njari Island, and you'll spot schools of barracuda and trevally that thin out considerably by January when water temperatures peak
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly spread - November can deliver multi-day weather systems that shut down boat operations entirely, particularly mid-month when low-pressure systems track through from Papua New Guinea, and there's no real way to predict this more than 48 hours out
- The country essentially operates on a 'weather permitting' schedule in November - your carefully planned itinerary to Marovo Lagoon or Rennell Island might get delayed by 2-3 days if seas kick up, and there's limited infrastructure to keep you entertained while you wait in Honiara
- UV index of 8 combined with 70% humidity means you'll burn faster than you expect - that 30-minute walk from King Solomon Hotel to the Central Market will leave most visitors uncomfortably sunburned if they're not vigilant about reapplication every 90 minutes
Best Activities in November
Western Province wreck diving expeditions
November delivers the best diving conditions of the year in the western islands, particularly around Gizo and the Kennedy Island area. The northwest monsoon calms the typically rough western waters, and you'll find visibility at WWII wrecks like the Toa Maru and Kinugawa Maru reaching 25-30 m (82-98 ft). Water temperature hovers around 28-29°C (82-84°F), so a 3mm wetsuit is plenty. The reduced boat traffic compared to July-August means you'll often have entire wreck sites to yourself. Most dive operators run half-day trips covering 2-3 dives, and you'll typically see schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and the occasional eagle ray cruising the wrecks.
Marovo Lagoon traditional village stays
November sits right at the transition between seasons, when Marovo Lagoon's waters are calm enough for outboard canoe travel but before the peak December-January heat makes inland village stays uncomfortable. You'll spend days paddling between small islands, learning traditional fishing techniques with hand-woven nets, and sleeping in leaf houses with local families. The lagoon stretches roughly 96 km (60 miles) and contains dozens of islands - most visitors focus on the Gatokae and Vangunu areas. Evening temperatures drop to a comfortable 22-23°C (72-73°F), which makes sleeping under mosquito nets actually pleasant. Worth noting that November brings occasional heavy rain systems, so pack dry bags for electronics and be mentally prepared for weather delays.
Honiara WWII historical site tours
November's variable weather makes this an ideal time to explore Honiara's extensive WWII sites, since you'll want indoor backup options when afternoon showers roll through. The national museum has recently expanded its Guadalcanal campaign exhibits, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours there during midday heat. Outdoor sites like Henderson Field, Bloody Ridge, and the American Memorial are best visited early morning between 7-9am when temperatures are around 24-25°C (75-77°F) and before the humidity climbs. The Vilu War Museum, about 15 km (9.3 miles) west of town, houses rusting aircraft and artillery pieces scattered through coastal jungle - give yourself 90 minutes there. Most sites lack shade, so the UV index of 8 demands serious sun protection.
Central Market food exploration and cooking sessions
Honiara's Central Market operates Tuesday through Saturday mornings, and November brings seasonal produce you won't find other months - look for island cabbage, slippery cabbage, and various taro varieties that locals prefer during the early wet season. The market runs hottest between 8am-11am when vendors are most active. You'll find women selling betel nut, fresh reef fish brought in that morning, and tropical fruits like soursop and custard apple. The covered sections provide relief during November's afternoon showers, which tend to hit around 2-3pm and last 20-40 minutes. Some guesthouses and small operators now offer morning market tours followed by cooking sessions where you'll learn to prepare traditional dishes like cassava pudding and coconut fish stew.
Rennell Island Lake Tegano exploration
November can be tricky for reaching Rennell, as it's the most remote inhabited island and flights from Honiara operate only twice weekly on small aircraft that cancel frequently in bad weather. That said, if you can get there, Lake Tegano - the largest lake in the Pacific islands at roughly 15 km (9.3 miles) long - offers completely unique limestone island landscapes and endemic bird species found nowhere else. The lake sits about 70 m (230 ft) above sea level and contains over 200 small limestone islands covered in dense forest. November's variable weather actually works in your favor here, as rain showers keep temperatures bearable for the hiking and canoe trips you'll do. Expect to spend 4-5 days minimum to justify the effort of getting there.
Malaita cultural exchange and shell money workshops
Malaita remains the cultural heartland of Solomon Islands, and November timing means you'll likely catch preparations for Christmas celebrations that blend traditional customs with Christian practices. The island is known for shell money production - small polished shells strung into long chains that still function as bride price and ceremonial currency. Some villages around Auki and Langa Langa Lagoon offer workshops where you'll learn the grinding and polishing process that takes weeks to master. The artificial islands in Langa Langa Lagoon, built centuries ago from coral rubble, provide fascinating insight into traditional engineering. November's afternoon rains can disrupt boat schedules between islands, so factor in flexibility.
November Events & Festivals
Provincial independence anniversary celebrations
Several provinces mark their establishment anniversaries in November with multi-day festivals featuring traditional dancing, canoe races, and string band competitions. Western Province typically celebrates around mid-November with events centered in Gizo, while Choiseul Province holds festivities in Taro. These aren't tourist-oriented events - you'll be one of maybe a handful of foreigners watching elaborate kastom dances performed by groups who've practiced for months. String bands play late into the night, and there's usually a massive community feast with roasted pig and root vegetables. The celebrations offer genuine cultural immersion, though accommodation in provincial capitals books out weeks ahead.