Things to Do in Port Moresby in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Port Moresby
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season tail end means minimal rainfall despite 10 rainy days - those showers are typically brief 15-20 minute bursts in late afternoon, not all-day washouts. You'll actually get more sunshine hours than you'd expect from that rainy day count.
- Crowds thin out significantly after Easter tourism surge - May sits in that sweet spot before Australian winter holiday rush starts in June. Major sites like Varirata National Park and Parliament House are noticeably quieter, and hotel rates drop 15-20 percent from April peaks.
- Perfect temperature window for highland excursions - the 74-87°F (23-31°C) range means Sogeri Plateau and Kokoda Track trailheads are comfortably cool in mornings (around 68°F/20°C at elevation) while Port Moresby itself stays warm but not oppressively hot.
- Local markets hit their stride with dry season produce - Koki and Gordons markets overflow with highland vegetables, fresh betel nut, and the last of the season's breadfruit. You'll catch locals stocking up before the wetter months, and vendors are more willing to chat when business is steady but not frantic.
Considerations
- That 70 percent humidity combined with 87°F (31°C) highs creates genuinely draining conditions between 11am-3pm - you'll feel sticky within minutes of leaving air conditioning. Plan indoor activities or rest during this window unless you're unusually heat-tolerant.
- Variable conditions means unpredictable planning - May sits on the cusp between dry and wet seasons, so you might get five glorious sunny days followed by three overcast ones with afternoon downpours. That zero inches of rainfall figure is misleading when 10 days still see rain.
- UV index of 8 is no joke at this latitude - you're 9 degrees south of the equator, and even on cloudy days the sun burns fast. Locals notice tourists who underestimate this within the first afternoon, and sunburn genuinely ruins the next few days of your trip.
Best Activities in May
Port Moresby Nature Park and Wildlife Viewing
May's moderate temperatures make morning visits to the Nature Park genuinely pleasant - you'll want to arrive right at opening (8am) when tree kangaroos are most active and before humidity peaks. The park's shaded boardwalks stay comfortable even as temperatures climb, and bird activity is excellent as dry season nesting winds down. Cassowaries, birds of paradise, and various tree kangaroo species are all visible without the afternoon lethargy they show in hotter months. The variable cloud cover actually helps with photography by diffusing harsh shadows.
Bomana War Cemetery and Historical Sites
The combination of lower humidity in mornings and fewer tour groups makes May ideal for reflective visits to WWII sites. Bomana War Cemetery, about 20 km (12.4 miles) north of the city, sees maybe a dozen visitors on weekday mornings versus the busloads in peak season. The grounds are impeccably maintained, and the cooler morning air (around 75°F/24°C at 8am) makes the walk between headstones comfortable rather than exhausting. Locals tend to visit on ANZAC Day (April 25), so May offers a quieter experience.
Loloata Island and Bootless Bay Snorkeling
May offers some of the year's best visibility for snorkeling - 20-25 m (65-82 ft) on good days - as runoff from wet season has cleared and the next rainy period hasn't started stirring up sediment. Water temperature holds steady around 82°F (28°C), warm enough for extended sessions without thick wetsuits. The variable weather actually works in your favor: overcast days reduce surface glare and make it easier to spot reef fish and occasional sea turtles. Loloata Island, 25 km (15.5 miles) east, is the most accessible quality snorkeling from Port Moresby.
Varirata National Park Bushwalking
At 600-800 m (1,970-2,625 ft) elevation, Varirata sits about 10°F (5-6°C) cooler than Port Moresby proper, making May mornings genuinely refreshing for hiking. The park's 8 km (5 miles) of trails through monsoon forest are driest now, with minimal mud on main paths. Birdwatching peaks in early mornings - raggiana birds of paradise display until about 9am, and you'll hear hornbills throughout the canopy. The 47 km (29 miles) drive from Port Moresby takes about 90 minutes on rough roads, but the climate difference makes it worthwhile.
Koki and Gordons Market Cultural Immersion
May's dry conditions make market visits more pleasant - less mud, better footing, and produce stays fresher in the lower humidity. Koki Market, built over the water on stilts, is particularly atmospheric in early mornings (6-8am) when fishing boats unload catches and highland trucks arrive with vegetables. You'll see the full spectrum of PNG's cultural diversity as different language groups trade. The 70 percent humidity means the fish section gets pungent by 10am, so arrive early. Gordons Market, more compact and local-focused, offers similar experiences with slightly fewer tourists.
Parliament Haus and National Museum Visits
Indoor cultural sites become strategic retreats during May's midday heat and occasional rain bursts. The National Museum's collection of highlands artifacts, Sepik River art, and contemporary PNG pieces deserves 2-3 hours, and the air conditioning is reliably strong. Parliament Haus tours (when parliament isn't sitting) showcase the building's distinctive architecture incorporating traditional haus tambaran design elements. May's lower tourist numbers mean you'll actually have space to absorb exhibits without crowds, and museum staff have more time for questions.
May Events & Festivals
Southern Highlands Agricultural Show (occasional years)
When it runs in early May, this show brings highland communities to display coffee, sweet potato varieties, and traditional practices. Worth checking if your dates align - it's primarily for locals rather than tourists, which makes it more authentic but also less accessible without local contacts. Not held every year, so verify before planning around it.