Climate and monthly weather forecastHoniara, Solomon Islands
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Aug 31, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The months with the highest humidity are January, March and April, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
Throughout the year, there are 327.8 rainfall days, and 2474mm (97.4") of precipitation is accumulated.
January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 6.8h of sunshine.
January through March, June, August, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.
The months with the most rainfall are March and December, with an average 299mm (11.77") of precipitation.
The month with the warmest seawater is April, with an average sea temperature of 30.3°C (86.5°F).
April, May, July and September, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Honiara.
June is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 25.1 days and accumulates 125mm (4.92") of precipitation.
The month with the shortest days is June, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.
July, with its average high-temperature of 27.8°C (82°F) and an average low-temperature of 23.7°C (74.7°F), holds the record as the coldest month in Honiara.
August through November, with an average relative humidity of 83%, are the least humid months.
The month with the coldest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 28.6°C (83.5°F).
The month with the most sunshine is November, with an average of 9.7h of sunshine.
In Honiara, the peak average temperatures are observed in December, with a high of 29.3°C (84.7°F) and a low of 24°C (75.2°F).
December has the longest days of the year, with an average of 12h and 42min of daylight.
Honiara does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). +11 timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is December (29.3°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (27.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is January (24.2°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are August and September (23.4°C).
Average pressure
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average pressure in January:
1006.9mbar - Average pressure in February:
1007.1mbar - Average pressure in March:
1007.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1008.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1009.7mbar - Average pressure in June:
1010.1mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1010.1mbar - Average pressure in August:
1010.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1010.4mbar - Average pressure in October:
1010mbar - Average pressure in November:
1008.3mbar - Average pressure in December:
1007.2mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is August (1010.5mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is January (1006.9mbar).
Average wind speed
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average wind speed in January:
7.4km/h - Average wind speed in February:
8.8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in April:
6.5km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7.8km/h - Average wind speed in June:
9.3km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
11.3km/h - Average wind speed in August:
10.3km/h - Average wind speed in September:
9.9km/h - Average wind speed in October:
7.7km/h - Average wind speed in November:
6.3km/h - Average wind speed in December:
6km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is July (11.3km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is December (6km/h).
Average humidity
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The months with the highest relative humidity are January, March and April (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are August, September, October and November (83%).
Average rainfall
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average rainfall in January:
274mm - Average rainfall in February:
235mm - Average rainfall in March:
299mm - Average rainfall in April:
211mm - Average rainfall in May:
165mm - Average rainfall in June:
125mm
- Average rainfall in July:
136mm - Average rainfall in August:
135mm - Average rainfall in September:
162mm - Average rainfall in October:
210mm - Average rainfall in November:
223mm - Average rainfall in December:
299mm
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are March and December (299mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is June (125mm).
Average rainfall days
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average rainfall days in January:
29.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
26.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
29.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
28.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
28 days - Average rainfall days in June:
25.1 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
26 days - Average rainfall days in August:
24.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
26 days - Average rainfall days in October:
28.2 days - Average rainfall days in November:
28 days - Average rainfall days in December:
29.3 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are January, March and December (29.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (24.3 days).
Average sea temperature
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is April (30.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (28.6°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average daylight in January:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 12min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in June:
11h and 36min
- Average daylight in July:
11h and 36min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 48min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 6min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 18min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in December:
12h and 42min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 11h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 12min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 48min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in June:
8h and 12min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
8h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
8h and 54min
The month with the most sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 9h and 42min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 6h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Average sunshine days in January:
0.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
1.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
1.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
3.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
3.6 days - Average sunshine days in August:
4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
2.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
1.7 days - Average sunshine days in November:
1.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
1.2 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (0.3 days).
Average UV index
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The months with the highest UV index are April, May, July and September (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, June, August, October, November and December (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 51).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 41).
Average visibility
Honiara, Solomon Islands
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
