When To Go · Destination Guide
Sunbeam cuts, WWII relics and jungle-fringed Coral Triangle reefs
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 18 sources
When to go
The Russell Islands can be dived yearround, but the easiest planning usually sits inside the dry season and the calmer shoulder months.
Best overall window
Warm 29°C water, strong dive potential and generally workable seas around the dryseason shoulders.
Outside that window
Wetseason heat and rain squalls, with possible operator maintenance windows and higher disruption risk.
Start with the overall answer, then switch only when scuba, freedive, snorkel, or topside timing changes the trip in a meaningful way.
The overall row stays visible so you can compare it against the currently selected scope.
| Scope | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall - Jan: Tradeoffs | Overall - Feb: Tradeoffs | Overall - Mar: Tradeoffs | Overall - Apr: Best | Overall - May: Best | Overall - Jun: Best | Overall - Jul: More variable | Overall - Aug: More variable | Overall - Sep: More variable | Overall - Oct: Best | Overall - Nov: Best | Overall - Dec: Tradeoffs |
These regional shifts apply only to the selected scope.
| Area | Best months | Why it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Islands liveaboard route | April to June and October to November | Use this window when the priority is Leru Cut, White Beach, Mirror Pond and Karumolun Point with the best chance of comfortable tender operations. Main caution: Same-day route swaps become more likely when weather builds. |
| Honiara gateway and buffer days | May to October | Gateway days are easier in the drier season, but hotels and transfers should be booked early around school holidays, public holidays and liveaboard turnarounds. Main caution: Holiday periods can compress boat and lodging availability. |
These do not replace the overall planner. Use them only if a specific animal or event is driving your trip dates.
Leru Cut Sunbeams
Best for Scuba, Freedive, Snorkel
Apr to Jun, Oct to Nov
Best targeted in calmer shoulder months when sunlight, low surface chop and safe tender operations line up for the famous cut photography.
Pygmy Seahorses and Gorgonian Fans
Best for Scuba
Year-round
Mirror Pond and similar wall sites can reward slow macro searches in gorgonian fans when guides know the resident subjects.
White Beach Macro and WWII Relics
Best for Scuba, Snorkel, Topside
Year-round
A shallow historyandmacro stop where old military material, mangrove edges and small critters share the same careful, lookonly dive ethic.
Karumolun Point Schooling Fish
Best for Scuba
Apr to Jun, Oct to Nov
Jacks, barracuda, reef sharks and eagle ray potential are best pursued when current and surface conditions are manageable for the boat.
Village Visit and Custom Singing
Best for Topside, Snorkel, Scuba
May to Oct
Many liveaboard routes include a hosted village visit or performance when the community and boat schedule allow it.
Built from climate references, access rules, and destination operators. Wildlife timing and route flexibility can shift year to year.