Papua New Guinea Climate

Climate of Papua New Guinea

Surrounded by warm ocean currents, Papua New Guinea lies in an equatorial climate zone characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. Rain falls throughout the year in the form of short but intense downpours. Annual precipitation varies between 1,500 mm and 7,500 mm.

The weather in the country is also determined by the relief of the area, there is a climatic stacking. Average temperatures oscillate between 25°C - 28°C and decrease with altitude. In areas above 1,500 meters above sea level there is a mountain variety of equatorial climate, and above 1,800 meters above sea level the climate takes on temperate characteristics. At altitudes around 3,000 meters above sea level, the climate shifts to a high mountainous zone. The mountainous areas are much cooler and wetter, and frosts and snowfall can occur.

Papua New Guinea has a dry season that lasts from May to October, when it is warm, dry and pleasant, and a rainy season, between December and March, when rainfall increases. In the inter-season months (April and November), the weather can be very changeable.