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What is the Climate in Papua New Guinea?

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, meaning it is warm and humid throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: a wet season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. While temperatures remain relatively stable, regional variations exist, with cooler conditions in the Highlands and hotter, humid weather along the coast.

The time of year you travel can affect everything from trekking conditions and diving visibility to festival schedules and transport reliability. Packing the right clothing and planning activities around the weather means you get the best out of your experience.

Climate Overview

Tropical Climate

Papua New Guinea has a tropical climate, meaning it is generally warm and humid throughout the year. The country’s proximity to the equator results in consistent temperatures, with only slight variations depending on altitude and season.

Seasons in Papua New Guinea

Wet Season (November–April):

Heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal and lowland areas.
High humidity levels and warmer temperatures.
Possible tropical storms and cyclones, especially between December and March.
Increased rainfall can affect travel conditions, with some remote areas becoming inaccessible.

Dry Season (May–October):

Lower humidity and less rainfall, making it the best time for travel.
Cooler temperatures, especially in the Highlands.
Ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as trekking, diving, and bird watching.

Temperature Ranges

Coastal and Lowland Areas: Daytime temperatures range between 25–32°C (77–90°F), with high humidity.

Highlands: Cooler conditions, with daytime temperatures around 15–26°C (59–79°F). Nights can be much colder, sometimes dropping below 10°C (50°F) in higher-altitude locations like Mount Hagen and Goroka.

Regional Climate Differences

Papua New Guinea’s climate varies significantly depending on the region, with notable differences between the coastal areas, Highlands, and lowland rainforests.

Coastal & Island Regions

Warm and humid year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 25–32°C (77–90°F).
Affected by monsoons, particularly during the wet season (November–April), bringing heavy rainfall and occasional storms.
Popular destinations like Milne Bay, New Ireland, and the Bismarck Archipelago experience tropical conditions with cooling sea breezes.

Highlands

Cooler temperatures due to higher elevation, ranging from 15–26°C (59–79°F) during the day.
Nights can be significantly colder, sometimes dropping below 10°C (50°F), especially in places like Mount Hagen and Goroka.
Less humidity compared to the coastal areas, making the dry season (May–October) ideal for trekking and cultural festivals.

Lowland Rainforests

Hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 27–30°C (81–86°F).
Frequent rainfall, even during the dry season, with dense jungle environments contributing to high moisture levels.
Areas such as the Sepik River Basin and Gulf Province experience some of the highest rainfall in PNG, making river transport essential for accessing remote villages.

Best Time to Visit Papua New Guinea

The dry season (May–October) is generally the best time to visit Papua New Guinea, with lower humidity, less rainfall, and ideal conditions for hiking, diving, and bird watching.

The wet season (November–April) brings heavier rains, higher humidity, and occasional storms, but some areas remain enjoyable, especially for those interested in lush green landscapes and river journeys.

For a more detailed guide on choosing the best time to visit PNG based on your preferred activities, check out our Best Time to Travel to Papua New Guinea travel tip article.

Weather Considerations for Tourists

Packing Tips

Lightweight, breathable clothing – pack light and moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool.
Rain gear – A compact rain jacket or poncho is essential, especially if visiting during the wet season.
Sun protection – Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen, as the sun can be intense, particularly in coastal areas.
Warm layers for the Highlands – If travelling to the Highlands, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler nights.

Outdoor Activities & Climate

Best weather for trekking – The dry season (May–October) is ideal for hiking the Kokoda Trail, as trails are more manageable and river crossings are safer.
Optimal diving conditions – Visibility is best between April and November, making it the prime season for diving in places like Milne Bay and Kimbe Bay.
Bird watching – the dry season provides the best conditions for a more comfortable bird watching experience in PNG.

Travel Disruptions

Flights – Heavy rain during the wet season can cause delays, particularly for smaller domestic flights serving remote areas.
Road conditions – Many roads, especially in rural areas, become muddy or impassable after heavy rains, making travel more difficult.
Outdoor plans – Heavy rains and storms may disrupt hiking, river tours, and village visits, so flexibility in scheduling is key.

Ready to Explore Papua New Guinea?

No matter when you visit, Papua New Guinea offers incredible experiences year-round. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get ready to discover breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable adventures. Start planning your trip today!

Transporation Options

Air Niugini

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location: Nationwide

Air Niugini is the national airline of Papua New Guinea, offering a range of flights to Papua New Guinea and international flights throughout Asia, Oceania, and Australia. The links up all the provincial capitals throughout the country as well. For more information or to book your flight visit www.airniugini.com.pg. Air Niugini’s International Routes Air Niugini’s...

Melanesian Tourist Services

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Region: Momase Region location: Madang Province

Discover Papua New Guinea with the Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd (MTS), one of PNG’s premier choices for authentic and unforgettable travel experiences. With over 45 years of expertise in providing exceptional tours, MTS has been a trusted partner for travelers seeking to explore the authentic wonders of Papua New Guinea. Located at the renowned Madang Resort...

Philippines Airlines

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location: National Capital District

Philippine Airlines is the Full-Service National Carrier of the Philippines that represents the Best of the Country and the Best of the Filipino People. The Airline flies twice a week, with flight PR215 departing Manila every Friday and Sunday at 2:10 a.m. Arrival at Port Moresby’s JacksonInternationalAirport is at 9:20 a.m. The return flight, PR216, departs...

PNG Air

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location: Nationwide

Whether it’s in business, friendship, or family life, we understand how important connections are to the people of Papua New Guinea. As PNG’s next generation airline, we’re proud of our role connecting people throughout our country. We do this by flying to more places with the newest aircraft in PNG. We’re growing our ATR 72-600...

Qantas

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location: National Capital District

The service operates daily, using a refreshed 174 seat B737- 800 aircraft featuring 12 business class seats, upgraded in-flight entertainment and improved seats with new covers. It replaces Qantas’ previous, turboprop-operated service between Cairns and Port Moresby, and is timed to enable business travellers to arrive in Port Moresby at midday, take meetings in the...

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What is the Climate in Papua New Guinea?

Climate Overview

Tropical Climate

Seasons in Papua New Guinea

Temperature Ranges

Regional Climate Differences

Coastal & Island Regions

Highlands

Lowland Rainforests

Best Time to Visit Papua New Guinea

Weather Considerations for Tourists

Packing Tips

Outdoor Activities & Climate

Travel Disruptions

Ready to Explore Papua New Guinea?

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