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Port Moresby - Things to Do in Port Moresby in April

Things to Do in Port Moresby in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Port Moresby

31°C (88°F) High Temp
23°C (74°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season shoulder month means you get decent weather without the peak June-August crowds or prices - accommodation rates typically run 15-20% lower than high season, and you won't be fighting for space at Ela Beach or the markets
  • Trade winds pick up in April, making the humidity more bearable than the stifling January-March period - mornings are genuinely pleasant for walking around town, with temperatures around 23-25°C (73-77°F) before 9am
  • The Hiri Moale Festival preparations are underway, so you'll catch rehearsals and canoe-building activities around Koki and Hanuabada villages - locals are more open to visitors during this period as there's genuine excitement building
  • Coral visibility is excellent in April as the wet season runoff has cleared - Loloata Island and Bootless Bay offer 15-20m (49-66 ft) visibility for diving, compared to the murky 8-10m (26-33 ft) you might get in February

Considerations

  • Those 10 rainy days listed as 0.0 inches are misleading - Port Moresby's weather data is notoriously patchy, and you'll actually get sudden afternoon downpours that can dump 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 30 minutes, flooding roads in Boroko and Waigani within minutes
  • April sits in an awkward transition period where some tour operators haven't fully ramped up their schedules yet - you might find reduced boat departures to nearby islands, particularly mid-week when local demand is lower
  • The UV index of 8 is no joke at this latitude - you're 9 degrees south of the equator, and even on cloudy days you'll burn in 15-20 minutes without SPF 50+, which costs about K25-35 (USD 7-10) locally and isn't always easy to find outside major hotels

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Best Activities in April

Bootless Bay and Loloata Island diving

April offers the sweet spot for underwater visibility after wet season sediment has cleared but before the peak dive season crowds arrive. Water temperature sits around 28-29°C (82-84°F), so you only need a 3mm wetsuit. The coral gardens at 8-15m (26-49 ft) depth are teeming with activity as fish spawning season kicks in. You'll likely spot schools of barracuda, reef sharks, and if you're lucky, dugongs grazing on seagrass beds. The calmer seas mean boat rides are smoother than the choppy July-August period.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically run K450-650 (USD 125-180) including two dives and equipment. Book 5-7 days ahead through Port Moresby dive operators - weekends fill up with expat divers. Morning departures around 8am are standard, returning by 3pm. Look for operators with compressor maintenance logs and ask about their emergency oxygen protocols, as medical facilities are limited. See current diving tour options in the booking section below.

Varirata National Park hiking

The 30-minute drive from downtown takes you to 1,000m (3,281 ft) elevation where temperatures drop to a comfortable 20-22°C (68-72°F) - a welcome relief from the coastal humidity. April's drier conditions mean the trails are muddy but manageable, unlike the slippery mess of January-March. The 5km (3.1 mile) loop trail through lowland rainforest takes about 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Bird activity peaks in early morning, with raggiana birds of paradise displaying around 6:30-8am. The lookout point offers genuinely spectacular views across Port Moresby when it's not shrouded in clouds, which happens maybe 60% of mornings in April.

Booking Tip: Entry costs K20 (USD 5.50) per person, paid at the gate. You'll need your own vehicle or hire a driver for around K200-300 (USD 55-85) return including waiting time. DO NOT attempt to drive yourself unless you're comfortable with rough roads and have a high-clearance vehicle. Go with a local guide for K50-80 (USD 14-22) - they know where the birds are and provide crucial security awareness. Start by 6am to catch the birds and avoid afternoon heat. Pack 2 liters (68 oz) of water per person minimum.

Traditional village tours around Hanuabada and Koki

April is actually ideal for visiting the stilt villages because the Hiri Moale preparations mean there's genuine cultural activity happening, not just performances for tourists. You'll see lagatoi canoes being prepared, bilum bags being woven, and traditional dance rehearsals in the late afternoon around 4-5pm. The villages sit right on the water, catching whatever breeze exists, making them more comfortable than inland areas. That said, these are real communities with complex social structures - you absolutely need to go with someone who has established relationships there, not just wander in with a camera.

Booking Tip: Organized cultural tours run K180-280 (USD 50-75) for half-day experiences including village entry permissions and guide. Book at least one week ahead as guides need to arrange access with village elders. Afternoon tours from 2-5pm work well, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Bring small denominations of kina for purchasing crafts directly from artisans - expect K50-150 (USD 14-42) for quality bilum bags. Photography requires explicit permission, and some areas may request K20-50 (USD 5.50-14) photo fees. Check current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Ela Beach and Paga Hill area walks

The beachfront promenade has been significantly upgraded as of 2026, with proper lighting and security patrols making it genuinely accessible for visitors during specific hours. April mornings from 6-8am see locals doing their exercise routines, and the scene feels surprisingly normal and safe. The new Paga Hill development has opened up cafes and viewing areas where you can watch the harbor activity. Water quality isn't great for swimming - locals don't swim here - but the breeze and people-watching make it worthwhile. Late afternoon around 5pm brings food vendors selling fresh coconuts for K5-8 (USD 1.40-2.20) and grilled fish for K15-25 (USD 4-7).

Booking Tip: This is one activity you can do independently if staying at hotels in the Town area, though stick to daylight hours between 6am-6pm. The 2km (1.2 mile) beachfront walk takes about 30-40 minutes at a casual pace. If you're not confident about security awareness, hotel concierges can arrange accompanied morning walks for K80-120 (USD 22-33). Bring small bills for vendors and expect to be approached by people asking for money - a polite 'nogat' (no) works fine. The UV exposure is intense even with cloud cover, so apply sunscreen before leaving your hotel.

Port Moresby Nature Park visit

This 30-hectare (74-acre) botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is honestly one of the few genuinely family-friendly attractions where you can relax without constant security vigilance. April's weather is perfect for the 2-3 hour walking circuit through aviaries housing cassowaries, tree kangaroos, and various bird species. The orchid collection peaks in April-May, and the shaded pathways stay relatively cool. It's popular with expat families on weekends, so weekday mornings are quieter. The facility has been well-maintained and feels safe, with on-site security and proper pathways.

Booking Tip: Entry costs K45 (USD 12.50) for adults, K25 (USD 7) for children. Open 8am-4pm daily, last entry at 3pm. Located in Waigani, about 15 minutes from downtown hotels. Arrange taxi transport for K30-50 (USD 8-14) each way - have your hotel call a trusted driver rather than flagging random taxis. Plan for 2.5-3 hours on-site. The small cafe has basic food and drinks, but quality varies, so consider eating before or after. Morning visits from 8-10am offer the best animal activity and cooler temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F).

Bomana War Cemetery and Kokoda Track Memorial

For history-focused travelers, this immaculately maintained Commonwealth War Graves site provides sobering context about PNG's WWII significance. April's weather makes the outdoor visit comfortable, though there's minimal shade. The memorial walls list the 3,000+ soldiers who died along the Kokoda Track, and the cemetery itself holds 4,000 graves. It's a peaceful, reflective space that sees few visitors mid-week. The setting against the hills is genuinely moving, and the groundskeeping is impeccable. Allow time to read the individual stories on the headstones - many soldiers were teenagers.

Booking Tip: Free entry, open dawn to dusk. Located about 20 minutes from downtown in Bomana. You'll need arranged transport for K80-120 (USD 22-33) return including waiting time of 60-90 minutes. Most hotels can organize this. Go in the morning before 10am when temperatures are manageable - there's very little shade and the white headstones reflect intense heat by midday. Bring water and hat. This is a cemetery, so dress respectfully and keep voices low. The small visitor center has historical information but irregular opening hours.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Hiri Moale Festival preparations

While the main Hiri Moale Festival happens in mid-September, April marks when communities around Hanuabada and Koki villages begin serious preparation work. You'll see lagatoi canoes being repaired and decorated, traditional dancers practicing in the late afternoons, and artisans creating the ceremonial items used in the festival. This isn't a tourist event - it's actual community activity - which makes it more authentic but also means you need proper local guidance to observe respectfully. The preparations honor the ancient Hiri trade voyages between the Motu people and Gulf Province communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen in quantity - UV index of 8 means you'll burn in 15-20 minutes, and local supplies are expensive (K25-35 or USD 7-10 per bottle) and often low quality. Bring enough for daily reapplication every 2 hours during outdoor activities
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton or linen - these protect better than sunscreen alone and help with the 70% humidity. Avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in the tropical heat. Long sleeves also provide mosquito protection during dawn and dusk
Sturdy walking sandals with good grip - you'll encounter everything from polished hotel floors to muddy tracks to rough coral beaches. Flip-flops aren't sufficient. Teva or Keen-style sandals work well and dry quickly after those sudden downpours
Compact rain jacket or umbrella - those 10 rainy days can drop 20-30mm (0.8-1.2 inches) in 30 minutes with zero warning. Streets flood quickly in Boroko and Waigani. A packable rain jacket is more practical than an umbrella for keeping your hands free
Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - dengue and malaria are present in Port Moresby, though less common than in rural areas. Mosquitoes are most active dawn and dusk. Local repellents exist but bring your preferred brand as availability is inconsistent
Conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees - essential for village visits and shows cultural respect. Port Moresby is more relaxed than highlands areas, but covering up is appreciated and also practical for sun protection. Women should pack a lightweight scarf for covering shoulders
Small denomination kina notes (K2, K5, K10, K20) - larger notes can be difficult to break at markets and with vendors. ATMs often dispense only K50 and K100 notes. Having small bills makes market purchases and tipping much easier
Dry bag or waterproof phone case - for boat trips to Loloata Island or Bootless Bay, and to protect electronics during sudden rain. Even if you're not planning water activities, the humidity can affect electronics over time
Basic first aid kit including oral rehydration salts - the combination of heat, humidity, and different food can cause stomach issues. Pharmacies exist but may not stock familiar brands. Include anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, and blister treatment
Head torch or small flashlight - power outages happen periodically, and not all areas have reliable street lighting. Essential if doing any early morning activities like Varirata National Park bird watching at 6am

Insider Knowledge

Port Moresby's weather data is notoriously unreliable - that 0.0 inches of rainfall listed doesn't mean dry conditions. Locals know to expect sudden afternoon storms in April that can dump serious rain in 30 minutes. The pattern typically runs: clear morning, building clouds by 1pm, possible downpour between 2-4pm, clearing by 5pm. Plan outdoor activities for mornings when possible
Security concerns are real but manageable with proper awareness - stick to organized activities, use hotel-arranged transport, avoid walking around after dark, and don't display expensive jewelry or cameras openly. That said, the situation has improved significantly with the 2026 infrastructure investments around Paga Hill and Ela Beach. Most incidents involve opportunistic theft, not violent crime against tourists who follow basic precautions
The expat community is surprisingly helpful - if you're staying at hotels like Airways or Hilton, you'll meet mining and oil industry workers who've lived here for years. They're usually happy to share current security updates, recommend trusted drivers, and give honest assessments of what's safe to do. The online PNG Expats forum is also valuable for pre-trip research
Mobile data is more reliable than hotel WiFi - get a local Digicel or Bmobile SIM card at the airport for K50-100 (USD 14-28) with data packages. Hotel internet can be frustratingly slow and unreliable. Having working mobile data means you can use maps, stay in touch with drivers, and access information when needed. The airport SIM card kiosks are legitimate and helpful

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the security situation and trying to explore independently without proper local knowledge - Port Moresby isn't a city where you can wander freely like Bangkok or Sydney. Even locals are selective about where they go and when. First-time visitors who ignore this advice often have negative experiences that were entirely preventable with proper planning and local guidance
Assuming April is completely dry because of the 0.0 inches rainfall statistic - you'll still get those 10 rainy days with sudden intense downpours. Tourists who pack only for dry weather end up with soaked clothes and ruined electronics. The rain is warm but streets flood quickly and activities get cancelled
Not arranging transport and activities before arriving - Port Moresby isn't a destination where you can easily book things on arrival or find tourist information centers. Hotel concierges are your best resource, but they need advance notice to arrange trusted drivers and tour operators. Showing up without plans means you'll spend your time stuck at the hotel trying to organize things

Explore Activities in Port Moresby

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March

Travel guide for March

May

Travel guide for May

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Port Moresby

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