Weather in Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands has a typical equatorial climate, meaning that it doesn’t experience the traditional 4 seasons each year, rather it has just 2 seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The temperature difference between the seasons is very narrow, with 26 – 32˚C being the year-round range, but as the names suggest, it is mainly the amount of rainfall that varies.  The water temperature has a very comfortable range of 28 – 29˚C all year, so whenever you choose to visit Solomon Islands you’ll find the water perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports.

Make sure to pack light and breathable clothing such as cotton or linen.  Solomon Islands is quite a conservative country, so female travellers looking to fit into local customs might consider knee-length clothing. Generally, you won’t have any problems with casual dress during your stay as it’s very acceptable in most places in the country.

The Dry Season

The Dry Season runs from May through to October and is when the country experiences slightly milder and more stable weather.  There’s little change in temperature, but there is much lower rainfall and humidity, so the weather is more pleasant to those visitors who are not used to a tropical environment.  Solomon Islands tends to experience slightly less calm open seas in the dry season, so, while still pleasurable, outer reef fishing and diving can be a tad less comfortable.   The water closer to the islands and inside lagoons is cleaner due to lower water runoff, so you will still find plenty of reef snorkelling and diving to do.

The Wet Season

Normally experienced from November to April, this is the time when around 70% of the annual rainfall is received.  An important consideration for holiday visitors is that the wet season usually has higher humidity, so you should be prepared for this during your trip.  However, it’s important to note that the wet seasonal isn’t monsoonal, so you usually don’t get lots of rain for extended periods, rather rain tends to roll in and is often finished quite quickly, so there is still plenty of time for enjoying yourself in the outdoors.  Most activities are still available through the wet season, so you can still enjoy everything this magical destination has to offer.

The clothing you’ll need for a trip in the wet season won’t change much, you still need to pack for the warm temperatures, but you’ll find an umbrella very handy.  Generally, you won’t be out in the rain very much, but it’s never cold and uncomfortable rain so some activities can proceed regardless of the weather.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Solomon Islands?

The dry months are generally the most comfortable time to visit, when temperature, rainfall and humidity are at their lowest for the year. If you are interested in seeing the sights around the islands and experiencing the culture, July through to September are considered the best time of the year to plan a trip.

Still need some help working out when to plan your Solomon Islands holiday? Contact our My Solomons consultants today for expert advice!