The climate of Honiara
Honiara, the capital of the
Solomon Islands, has a tropical rainforest climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This results in consistently hot and humid conditions throughout the year, with high levels of precipitation experienced most months. The geographical position of the city on the northwestern coast of Guadalcanal Island exposes it to the seasonal trade winds, mostly from the southeast.
The average high and low temperatures show very little variation, hovering around 28°C (82.4°F) and 24°C (75.2°F) respectively, irrespective of the months. Mean monthly relative humidity stands around 84%, contributing to the general sultry atmosphere. A prominent feature of weather here is the high amount of rainfall received throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from 125mm (4.92") to 299mm (11.77").
Notably, there is no exact dry season, but rainfall does reduce slightly from
May to
August. The city experiences relatively uniform patterns in sea temperatures, daylight averages, UV index, and visibility despite the varying months. However, slight variations occur in the wind flow patterns, particularly the wind gusts which hit a peak of 16.7km/h (10.4mph) in
July.
The best time to visit Honiara
For those seeking a relatively drier weather window,
May through
August appears as the best period to visit
Honiara. This period coincides with the lowest monthly rainfall totals, mild sea temperatures of around 29°C (84.2°F), and slightly cooler maximum temperatures from 27.8°C (82°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F).
Moreover, this period presents extended hours of sunshine, reaching a peak of 8.2 hours in
July and August. Visitors might also enjoy the light breezes, with wind picking up to an average speed of 11.3km/h (7mph) in July providing additional relief from the high humidity and heat.
The worst time to visit Honiara
Considering the rainfall records and high humidity, the months of
January,
March, and
December might constitute the least favorable time to visit
Honiara. These months feature the highest rainfall measures from 274mm (10.79") to 299mm (11.77"), coupled with the high humidity of 85% making the weather rather uncomfortable.
In addition, despite the manageable high temperatures rounding off to 29°C (84.2°F), the significant precipitation can disrupt outdoor activities and certain travel plans.
Spring weather in Honiara
Spring, including
March through
May in
Honiara, sees marginal reduction in rainfall from 299mm (11.77") to 165mm (6.5"). During these months, the temperatures remain consistent with high around 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) and low around 24°C (75.2°F).
The spring also welcomes a gradual increase in the hours of sunshine from 7.2 to 8.2 hours, which stands out especially in May. The strong wind gusts of March with 11.9km/h (7.4mph) level off by May to a more calming 7.8km/h (4.8mph).
Summer weather in Honiara
Honiara's summer months,
June through
August, stand as the slightly milder portion of the year, with lower rainfall measures from 125mm (4.92") to 136mm (5.35"). The high temperatures peak at 28.6°C (83.5°F) during this time, while the nights cool down to an average 23.7°C (74.7°F).
The sea temperatures also dip marginally, from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F), while the city enjoys the longest daylight averaging of 11.6 hours. Moreover, the UV index reaches its highest value of 7 in June and
July, indicating the need for sun protection.
Autumn weather in Honiara
Autumn, from
September through
November, marks the transition into the rainy season. Here, the rainfall starts to pick up from 162mm (6.38") to 223mm (8.78"). Temperatures remain largely steady with highs of about 29°C (84.2°F) and lows around 24°C (75.2°F).
Despite the increase in rainfall, the hours of sunshine also increase, peaking at 9.7 hours in November. As for the wind patterns, September registers a slight elevation in gust speed up to 14.8km/h (9.2mph).
Winter weather in Honiara
Winter, from
December through
February, is extremely rainy with rainfall peaking at 299mm (11.77") in both
January and December. The high temperatures hover around 29°C (84.2°F), while the lows average at 24°C (75.2°F).
January stands out with shorter daylight hours averaging 12.6, and lower contrasting hours of sunshine at only 6.8 hours. The wind flow, however, slows during these months to a mild 7.4km/h (4.6mph) in December and 8.8km/h (5.5mph) in February. Despite being the rainiest season, the sea remains warm, with temperatures of about 30°C (86°F), ensuring coastal activities are still within reach.
Weather in January
January in
Honiara,
Solomon Islands presents a warm start to the year accompanied by a high level of humidity. Characterized by the highest average temperature of 28.8°C (83.8°F), this month exhibits a tropical climate pattern throughout.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Come
February,
Honiara experiences a slight dip in temperatures from
January levels. The city's weather remains quite humid and encourages the proliferation of flora. February's climate is slightly different from the previous month, with a reduced rainfall of 235mm (9.25").
Weather in February »Weather in March
The climatic conditions in
Honiara in
March echo those of
February, with similar high temperatures. However, the amount of rainfall received increases, marking a contrast in the weather pattern with a recorded rainfall of 299mm (11.77").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a decrease in temperature from
March to
Honiara, making it a pleasant month. The rainfall volume drops to 211mm (8.31") from the March peak, signalling a transition to the drier half of the year. Despite less rainfall, the relative humidity remains consistent, keeping the air moist.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Honiara sees further reduction in rainfall, signifying a shift in the weather pattern. Temperatures remain within a comfortable range, supplementing the island's exotic charm. A gradual decrease in daily rainfall from
April to 165mm (6.5") gives way to increased outdoor opportunities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The weather in
June marks the onset of the driest period of the year in
Honiara. There's a significant drop in rainfall reaching its lowest at 125mm (4.92") as compared to the previous month. The sea temperature drops slightly, though it stays within the comfortable range for swimmers and divers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July experiences a further temperature drop, signaling the middle of the
Honiara winter. However, it's also the windiest month with wind speeds reaching 11.3km/h (7mph). The reduction in sea temperatures to 28.8°C (83.8°F) might deter some beachgoers, but the clear water visibility provides excellent diving conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The trend of decreasing temperatures continues through
August in
Honiara. A slight increase in rainfall to 135mm (5.31") from
July is observed, indicating a shift towards the second rainy season. The sea temperature remains almost constant, appealing to brave-hearted swimmers and divers.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals a gradual increase in temperature, indicating the transition from winter to summer. The sea temperature experiences a similar rise, again making it a magnet for water sports enthusiasts. An increase in rainfall to 162mm (6.38") from
August has been observed, indicating the onset of wetter months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Honiara experiences a rise in temperature, marking the onset of summer. Persistent rainfall starts to increase again with 210mm (8.27") registered, hinting at the coming wet season. The city experiences more sunshine hours, enriching the tropical charm.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the continuation of summer in
Honiara. The city experiences an increase in temperature, coupled with a rise in rainfall to 223mm (8.78"). The sea temperature reaches near-maximum levels, enticing tourists towards water-based activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Honiara, in
December, presents consistent high temperatures and increased rainfall. The month registers the second-highest rainfall of 299mm (11.77"), akin to early wet season months. Honiara experiences its longest daylight hours, maximizing the time for outdoor enjoyment amidst higher rainfall.
Weather in December »