Port Moresby in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Port Moresby

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Driest month of the year with zero recorded rainfall despite 10 rainy days - these are brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers that clear quickly and cool temperatures by 3-4°C (5-7°F)
Trade winds from the southeast keep humidity at a manageable 70% compared to 85-90% during wet season, making outdoor activities comfortable from 7am-11am and 4pm-7pm
Peak visibility for hiking Mount Wilhelm (4,509m/14,793ft) and surrounding ranges - February offers the clearest mountain views with 80% chance of clear summit conditions
Cultural festival season with Hiri Moale Festival typically held mid-February, showcasing traditional Motu sailing vessels and the only time to see authentic lagatoi boat races in Port Moresby harbor

Considerations

Intense UV radiation with index reaching 8 daily - you'll burn in 15 minutes without SPF 50+, and reflected heat from concrete reaches 45°C (113°F) in downtown areas by noon
Afternoon humidity spikes to 85% between 1pm-3pm despite low rainfall, making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable for most visitors
Peak tourist season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than May-October, and domestic flights to destinations like Papua New Guinea costing PGK 800-1200 (normally PGK 500-700)

Best Activities in February

Port Moresby Harbor Island Hopping

February's calm seas and southeast trade winds create perfect conditions for visiting Loloata Island and Motupore Island. Water visibility reaches 15-20m (49-65ft) for snorkeling, and traditional fishing demonstrations happen daily at 10am when temperatures are comfortable at 26°C (79°F). The dry weather means reliable boat schedules.

Booking Tip: Book island tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Half-day trips typically cost PGK 150-250 per person including transfers. Look for operators with safety certifications and life jackets. Best departure times are 8am or 2pm to avoid midday heat.

Kokoda Track Day Walks

February offers the driest conditions for accessing Papua New Guinea sections near Port Moresby. The Owers Corner to Sogeri section (12km/7.5 miles) is manageable in February's lower humidity, with morning temperatures starting at 20°C (68°F). Historical sites are accessible without muddy conditions that plague other months.

Booking Tip: Day walk sections require booking 10-14 days ahead through certified Kokoda operators. Guided day walks cost PGK 300-500 per person including transport and lunch. Ensure guides have current first aid certification and emergency communication devices.

Cultural Village Tours in Central Province

February coincides with harvest celebrations in Hiri villages, offering authentic cultural experiences unavailable other times. Villages like Hanuabada demonstrate traditional fishing techniques and sago processing. The dry weather means village access roads are passable and outdoor demonstrations proceed as scheduled.

Booking Tip: Village tours must be arranged through community liaisons 1-2 weeks ahead. Half-day cultural experiences cost PGK 100-200 per person with village fees included. Respectful dress codes apply - long pants and covered shoulders mandatory.

Varirata National Park Wildlife Walks

February's drier conditions make Varirata's 22km (13.7 miles) of trails accessible for spotting birds of great destination during morning feeding times (6am-9am). Cassowary sightings peak in February when fruit is abundant. The park's elevation of 800m (2,625ft) provides 5°C (9°F) cooler temperatures than Port Moresby.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost PGK 25 entry fee, but guided wildlife walks (PGK 150-250) significantly increase animal spotting chances. Book guided walks 3-5 days ahead through park headquarters. Early morning starts at 6am are essential for wildlife viewing.

Parliament House and Government District Tours

February's clear weather provides optimal photography conditions for Parliament House architecture and harbor views from Independence Hill. this destination operate normal schedules without weather disruptions, and the 45-minute walking circuit is comfortable in morning temperatures before 10am.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. Guided group tours (PGK 50-75 per person) available through visitor services with 48-hour advance booking. Security screening required - no bags or electronics allowed inside Parliament House.

Traditional Market Food Tours

February brings seasonal fruits like rambutan and breadfruit to markets. Boroko and Gordons markets operate full schedules in dry weather, with traditional cooking demonstrations happening Saturday mornings. The comfortable humidity levels make 2-3 hour market walks manageable for visitors.

Booking Tip: Independent market visits cost PGK 10-20 for tastings. Guided food tours with cultural context cost PGK 80-150 per person for 3-hour experiences. Book through cultural centers 2-3 days ahead. Bring small bills (PGK 2-5 notes) for vendor purchases.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Hiri Moale Festival

Port Moresby's premier cultural festival celebrating traditional Hiri trading voyages. Features authentic lagatoi sailing vessel displays, traditional dancing competitions, and local Kampala. The only time visitors can see reconstructed traditional boats and witness cultural practices dating back centuries.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 daily and concrete surfaces reflect additional heat reaching 45°C (113°F)

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity, natural fabrics dry faster during brief showers

Waterproof day pack cover - those 10 rainy days bring sudden 15-20 minute downpours that can soak electronics and documents

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - February's warmth activates mosquitoes and sand flies, especially near harbor areas and markets

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - many cultural sites and villages require covered feet, and concrete gets too hot for sandals by 11am

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers are brief but intense, and you'll want protection during the 15-20 minute waits

Portable fan or cooling towel - humidity spikes to 85% between 1pm-3pm making indoor spaces without air conditioning uncomfortable

Cash in small denominations (PGK 2, 5, 10 notes) - markets and village visits require exact change and many vendors can't break large bills

Respectful clothing for cultural sites - long pants and shirts covering shoulders mandatory for village visits and cultural ceremonies

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - combination of heat, humidity, and walking can cause rapid dehydration despite lower rainfall

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities between 7am-11am or 4pm-7pm when temperatures drop 3-4°C (5-7°F) and humidity decreases from morning trade winds - locals avoid midday sun entirely

February's brief afternoon showers always come from the northwest around 2pm-4pm - watch cloud formations over the mountains as your 15-minute warning

Village cultural performances only happen on specific days during February harvest celebrations - confirm exact dates when booking as they follow traditional lunar calendar, not fixed schedules

Domestic flights to Papua New Guinea and other highland destinations have best weather windows in February but book 3+ weeks ahead as mining company employees also travel during this dry period, limiting seat availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 11am-3pm when humidity reaches 85% and concrete temperatures hit 45°C (113°F) - even locals stay indoors during these hours

Assuming 'zero rainfall' means no rain - those 10 rainy days bring sudden intense 15-20 minute downpours that can flood streets temporarily and soak unprepared visitors

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics which become unbearable in February's humidity - cotton and light colors make a significant comfort difference in 31°C (88°F) heat