Things to Do in Port Moresby in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Port Moresby
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December marks the start of Port Moresby's wet season, but counterintuitively, rainfall totals are actually minimal at 0 mm (0 inches) despite 10 rainy days - what this means in practice is brief afternoon showers that clear quickly rather than all-day downpours, giving you clear mornings for outdoor activities and cooler evenings after the rain passes
- The 70% humidity combined with temperatures around 32°C (90°F) is actually more comfortable than the peak dry season months - locals call this the 'green season' when vegetation is lush, dust settles, and the city feels refreshed rather than parched, making walking around neighborhoods like Boroko and Konedobu more pleasant than you'd expect
- December falls outside the main tourist influx that hits during July-September school holidays, meaning you'll find better accommodation rates at places like the Airways Hotel and Lamana Hotel (typically 20-30% lower than peak), shorter waits at Ela Beach on weekends, and easier bookings for cultural experiences like village visits in the Central Province
- The lead-up to Christmas brings out Port Moresby's vibrant market culture - Koki Market and Gordons Market are at their liveliest with seasonal produce like mangoes and pineapples at peak ripeness, plus you'll see traditional bilum bags and handicrafts as locals shop for gifts, giving you authentic cultural immersion that feels organic rather than staged for tourists
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean you need to plan flexibly - the showers typically hit between 2pm-5pm and last 20-40 minutes, but they're unpredictable enough that you can't schedule outdoor activities with certainty, and when it rains in Port Moresby, it RAINS, turning unsealed roads muddy and temporarily flooding low-lying areas
- December coincides with the festive season when many businesses operate on reduced hours or close entirely between December 20-January 2, including some tour operators, rental car agencies, and restaurants - this is particularly noticeable during the actual Christmas week when the city essentially shuts down and even grocery stores have limited stock
- The UV index of 8 is no joke at this latitude (9°S) - you'll burn in under 20 minutes without protection, and the cloud cover from those rainy days creates a false sense of security since UV penetrates clouds, meaning tourists consistently underestimate sun exposure and end up with painful burns that ruin their first few days
Best Activities in December
Varirata National Park hiking and birdwatching
December's morning clarity before afternoon rains makes this the ideal time for the 800 m (2,625 ft) elevation trails at Varirata, located 42 km (26 miles) from the city. The wet season brings out birds of paradise in breeding plumage - Raggiana birds of paradise are particularly active early morning around 6-8am. The vegetation is lush without being overgrown, and importantly, the trails are still manageable before heavier January-February rains turn them slippery. Start by 7am to finish before midday heat peaks, and you'll likely have the park nearly to yourself on weekdays.
Port Moresby Nature Park visits
This is actually the perfect December activity because it's completely weather-flexible - when those afternoon rains hit, you've got covered walkways and indoor exhibits featuring tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and the excellent Orchid Garden. December timing means you'll see native orchids in bloom. The park is cooler under the rainforest canopy than anywhere else in the city, and the 70% humidity that feels oppressive downtown actually feels natural here. Go midweek to avoid local family crowds that pack the place on Saturdays.
Loloata Island Resort day trips and diving
The 25 km (15.5 mile) boat ride to Loloata takes about 45 minutes from Port Moresby, and December offers surprisingly good underwater visibility (15-20 m or 49-66 ft) despite being wet season - the key is that minimal rainfall means less runoff clouding the water. Water temperature sits around 28°C (82°F), comfortable without a wetsuit. The reef fish activity is excellent as this is breeding season for many species. Book morning departures to maximize dive time before afternoon weather rolls in, though the island resort itself provides shelter if rain hits.
Cultural village experiences in Central Province
December is actually ideal for visiting traditional villages within 1-2 hours of Port Moresby because the wet season means communities are actively working their gardens, and you'll see traditional agriculture in action rather than the dormant dry season landscape. Villages like those around Sogeri showcase sing-sing preparations as communities practice for upcoming festivals. The cooler post-rain afternoons make the experience more comfortable than the scorching dry season heat. You'll see bilum bag weaving, traditional cooking methods, and if you're lucky, catch rehearsals of traditional dances.
Bomana War Cemetery and historical sites
The 4 km (2.5 mile) drive to Bomana War Cemetery is manageable any time of day, and December's cloud cover actually makes visiting this open-air site more comfortable than the harsh dry season sun. The cemetery contains 3,824 Commonwealth graves from WWII, and the well-maintained grounds are particularly green in the wet season. Combine this with the nearby Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway (a 4 km or 2.5 mile urban trail commemorating the Kokoda campaign) for a half-day of WWII history. Both sites are outdoors but have covered areas if rain threatens.
Ela Beach and waterfront dining
December evenings at Ela Beach are genuinely pleasant - the afternoon rains cool things down, the breeze picks up, and locals descend on the beach from 5pm onwards for impromptu soccer games and family gatherings. The beach itself is decent for swimming at high tide (check tide tables), and the adjacent Ela Beach Craft Market operates most days with better prices than tourist-focused shops. The waterfront boardwalk restaurants come alive after sunset around 7pm, and eating outdoors is actually comfortable rather than sweltering. This is where Port Moresby residents socialize, making it the best spot for people-watching and getting a sense of local life.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas markets and festive celebrations
Port Moresby's markets transform in the weeks before Christmas with increased handicraft stalls, seasonal foods, and a festive atmosphere that blends traditional PNG culture with Christmas traditions. Koki Market and Gordons Market are particularly vibrant December 15-24. You'll see traditional sing-sing groups performing in shopping areas, and many churches hold evening carol services that welcome visitors. The city decorates modestly compared to Western standards, but the energy is genuine.