Things to Do in Port Moresby in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
March Weather in Port Moresby
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
88°F (31°C)
High Temp
74°F (23°C)
Low Temp
7.5 inches (190 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Heavy afternoon downpours can briefly flood low-lying roads around the Waigani area and the airport approach. Do not drive through standing water.
⚠ Standing water after rains boosts mosquito numbers. Malaria remains a genuine risk in Papua New Guinea. Use repellent and follow recommended precautions.
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + March still belongs to the wet season, so the hills behind Port Moresby toward Sogeri and Varirata National Park glow deep soaked green rather than the dusty brown that will arrive by July. The rainforest along the Varirata escarpment, about 42 km (26 miles) inland, is at its loudest and most alive, with the eerie whistle of birds of great destination carrying through the canopy at dawn. The air feels charged. Every leaf drips.
- + Rain in March tends to come in concentrated afternoon bursts rather than all-day grey, which means mornings are reliably workable. You can be out at the Port Moresby Nature Park by opening time, wander the boardwalks among the tree kangaroos and cassowaries in relative cool, and be back under shelter before the heavier clouds build after lunch. Simple timing.
- + This is shoulder-to-low season for the city's business-heavy hotel market, so the big names up on the ridge at Touaguba Hill and around the Waigani precinct tend to have more give on rates than during the conference-packed dry months. Weekend availability in particular tends to open up once the corporate travellers thin out. Ask for the deal.
- + Sea Surface temperatures off Bootless Bay, southeast of the city, are warm and the marine life on the reefs out toward Loloata is active. On the calmer mornings between fronts, visibility for snorkelling and diving can be rewarding, and you'll often have the water to yourself. Pure quiet.
Considerations
- − The rain is real and it is heavy when it lands. With around 10 wet days and 7.5 inches (190 mm) over the month, low-lying roads around the Waigani flats and parts of the route out to Jacksons International Airport can flood briefly, and a downpour can turn an open-air plan into a write-off within minutes. Plan exits.
- − Humidity hovering around 70% on top of highs near 88°F (31°C) makes the middle of the day draining, if you're walking. The combination saps energy faster than the temperature alone suggests, and there's little natural shade in much of the city's newer, car-oriented districts. Hydrate often.
- − Port Moresby's security reality doesn't take a season off. Casual wandering on foot, after dark or through unfamiliar settlements, is unwise regardless of weather, and March's earlier dusk during cloudy spells shortens the window for being out comfortably. Most visitors move by arranged vehicle, which adds cost and planning to every outing. Factor it in.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
Port Moresby in March is dense and warm. The air carries a scent of tropical blossoms and the distant, briny tang of the Coral Sea. Mornings often dawn with a clear, piercing light over the harbor. The water gleams a deep blue. Then clouds build in the afternoon. You will hear the sudden drumming of a rain shower on broad leaves. This sound quickly gives way to the city's steady hum. This rhythm of sun and sudden downpour defines the month. Locals move through their days attuned to these brief, cooling interruptions. No major festivals are recorded for March. The city operates at its own steady tempo. Safety here requires planning and local insight, not wandering. A knowledgeable guide transforms the experience. They provide a structured window into the capital's story. The heat encourages a slower pace. The shade of a museum courtyard feels like a welcome respite. So does the climate-controlled comfort of a well-chosen hotel. This is a time for purposeful exploration. The rewards are found in historical journeys and curated glimpses of urban life. The legendary Kokoda Track is a central draw. March sits within the primary trekking season before heavier rains. The trails are challenging and often muddy. The forest canopy is alive with exotic bird calls and the constant drone of insects. Humidity wraps around you. The cool splash of a mountain stream offers pure relief. This is not a casual hike. It is a physical and historical pilgrimage. Expert support ensures both safety and depth. In the capital, the city's hotels and restaurants provide essential bases. Structured tours start from here, revealing the busy, complex heart of Papua New Guinea.
Private Port Moresby City Tour
guided_experienceProvides a secure overview of the capital's key sites. See the Parliament Haus with its towering mosaic façade. Visit the quiet reverence of the Bomana War Cemetery. You will see the colorful, busy stalls of a local market. Hear the mix of Tok Pisin and English in the streets. All from the comfort of a private vehicle. This tour often includes the National Museum. See intricately carved spirit boards there. Feel the textured history of the region's many cultures.
It is the most effective way to understand Port Moresby's political heart and cultural displays with personalized guidance.
Insider tip: Request a stop at a supermarket. See the range of local produce, like fragrant mountain strawberries or bundles of kaukau (sweet potato).
ADVENTURE KOKODA 10-Day Premium Kokoda Campaign Trek Australian Led
adventureCovers the full track. It offers the most complete historical narrative and physical challenge. Experience the profound silence of Brigade Hill at dawn. Endure the taxing, sweat-drenched climb up the Golden Stairs. Evenings bring the smell of woodsmoke from village camps. Taste strong, sweet local tea shared with your guides.
This is the definitive trek for those seeking to comprehend the entire campaign through total immersion in the landscape.
Insider tip: Pack multiple pairs of quick-dry socks. Use waterproof bags inside your pack to keep essential clothing dry during frequent river crossings.
11 Day Kokoda Trek From Port Moresby
adventureExtends the journey. It allows extra time for acclimatization in the capital and a more measured pace on the trail. Feel the humid air of Port Moresby give way to the cooler, misty climate of the Owen Stanley Range. Hear the changing chorus of birdlife from lowland chatter to highland melodies. The itinerary allows for deeper interaction in villages. You might smell earth ovens baking root vegetables.
The extra days reduce physical strain and increase opportunities for cultural exchange.
Insider tip: Use the initial day in Port Moresby to finalize last-minute supplies. High-energy snacks are more expensive or unavailable on the track.
11 Day Kokoda Trek Australian and Local Guides
adventureUses combined expertise. It offers insight into both the military history and the living culture of the corridor. See the trail through the eyes of local guides, descendants of the famed Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Taste traditional foods prepared by community cooks. The shared stories around the evening fire are a defining feature. They are told with a blend of accents and perspectives.
This dual-guide system provides the most holistic interpretation of the track. It honors both the ANZAC legacy and the important role of Papua New Guinean people.
Insider tip: Learn a few basic phrases in Tok Pisin. Try "tenkyu" (thank you) and "moning" (good morning). This helps you connect with local guides and village hosts.
Where to Stay in Port Moresby in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Port Moresby Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Plan outdoor mornings and indoor afternoons. Locals treat post-lunch March hours as rain time. Sightsee early. Retreat when clouds stack. You will lose nothing to weather.
Arranged vehicles rule Port Moresby. Almost no one walks. Hotels and licensed operators provide transfers. Budget for car-based movement from day one. It is not an extravagance.
Varirata's birds of great destination wake at dawn. March's wet forest amplifies their calls. Be at the gate when it opens. Mid-morning visitors often miss the display.
Carry small denominations of local cash. Markets and roadside vendors rarely accept cards. Exact change speeds transactions. It keeps things low-profile.
Avoid These Mistakes
Avoid booking rigid all-day outdoor plans. March's afternoon downpours shred tight schedules. Smart travellers leave afternoons flexible.
Do not try walking between sights to save money. The city layout resists pedestrians. Security risk rises after rain. The small saving is not worth it.
Do not ignore humidity. Combine 70% humidity with 88°F (31°C) heat. Hydrate constantly. Pace yourself or energy crashes by noon.
Explore More Activities in Port Moresby
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Port Moresby.
See All Port Moresby Tours on Viator