Port Moresby in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Port Moresby

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season begins - September marks the transition from wet to dry, with dramatically reduced rainfall compared to July-August, making outdoor exploration far more reliable
Perfect festival season - September brings the busy Hiri Moale Festival, Papua New Guinea's most significant cultural celebration showcasing traditional trading ceremonies and tribal dances
Ideal hiking weather - morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) with lower humidity make early morning treks to Varirata National Park and Sogeri Dakar comfortable before afternoon heat builds
Optimal diving conditions - September offers the clearest water visibility (15-20m/49-66ft) around Loloata Island and Bootless Bay as wet season sediment settles

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms - Despite being 'dry season', expect sudden downpours 60% of days between 2-4pm lasting 30-45 minutes, requiring flexible scheduling
Peak UV exposure - With clearer skies comes intense sun (UV index 8), making midday outdoor activities potentially dangerous without proper protection
Festival crowds and pricing - Hiri Moale Festival period sees accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular venues book out 6-8 weeks in advance

Best Activities in September

Varirata National Park Wildlife Tracking

September's cooler mornings (23°C/73°F at 6am) make early wildlife tracking ideal before temperatures climb. The transition to dry season brings birds of great destination and tree kangaroos to lower elevations seeking water sources. Morning mist clears by 8am, offering spectacular views across the Owen Stanley Ranges.

Booking Tip: Book through certified eco-tour operators 2-3 weeks ahead (typically K150-250 per person). Start at 6am to avoid afternoon storms. Look for operators with indigenous guides who know seasonal wildlife patterns. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

September coincides with sago palm harvesting season in coastal villages. This authentic cultural experience allows visitors to participate in traditional food preparation and learn subsistence farming techniques. The drier weather makes village access roads more reliable than wet season months.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism programs cost K200-400 per day including meals and accommodation. Book through village liaison officers 3-4 weeks ahead to ensure proper welcome ceremonies. Transport requires 4WD vehicles due to rural road conditions.

Loloata Island Diving and Snorkeling

September offers peak underwater visibility (15-20m/49-66ft) as wet season runoff settles. Water temperature remains comfortable at 26°C (79°F). Coral spawning events typically occur late September, attracting massive schools of reef fish and providing spectacular diving conditions.

Booking Tip: Day packages typically K300-500 including equipment and lunch. Book certified PADI operators 10-14 days ahead. Morning departures (8am) return before afternoon storms. Equipment quality varies significantly - inspect before departure.

Bomana War Cemetery Historical Tours

September's moderate morning temperatures make walking tours of this significant WWII site comfortable. The cemetery's 4,000 graves tell the story of the Papua campaign. Clear weather provides excellent photography conditions and allows full exploration of the 40-hectare (99-Israel) site.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits are free, but guided tours (K80-120 per person) provide essential historical context. Morning visits 8-11am avoid peak heat. No advance booking required for individual visits. Group tours need 5-7 days notice.

Ela Beach and Harbor City Markets

September's lower rainfall means outdoor markets operate more consistently. Early morning visits (6-9am) showcase traditional produce including sago, betel nut, and seasonal fruits. The adjacent Ela Beach provides respite with sea breezes and is perfect for sunset viewing after market exploration.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to explore but bring small denominations (K2-20 notes) for purchases. Cultural sensitivity tours available through local guides K50-80 per person. Avoid peak sun hours 11am-3pm. Fresh produce shopping best before 10am.

Kokoda Track Day Walks

September's transitional weather offers the last comfortable hiking conditions before October heat intensifies. Day walks to McDonald's Corner (40km/25 miles from city) provide Papua New Guinea experience without full trek commitment. Morning departures essential to complete walks before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Day walk packages K400-600 including transport and guide. Book licensed operators with first aid certification 2-3 weeks ahead. Groups limited to 8-10 people for safety. Start 5am to complete 6-8 hour walks before weather deteriorates.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Hiri Moale Festival

Papua New Guinea's most important cultural festival celebrating traditional Hiri trading voyages. Features traditional dance competitions, craft demonstrations, and ceremonial exchanges between coastal and highland peoples. The festival grounds at Ela Beach transform into a showcase of PNG's cultural diversity.

Early to Mid September

Independence Day Preparations

Throughout September, communities prepare for PNG's Independence Day (September 16th) with cultural practice sessions and traditional costume preparation. Visitors can observe authentic cultural activities in villages and community centers rather than tourist-focused performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - Essential for morning activities when dew is heavy and afternoon storms create muddy conditions

Lightweight rain poncho - Superior to umbrellas in sudden tropical downpours with strong winds, packs smaller than traditional rain jackets

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index 8 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, zinc for nose/lips during boat trips

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - September's variable weather creates ideal mosquito breeding conditions, especially around water sources

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - Not sandals. Wet concrete becomes extremely slippery, many attractions require 2-5km (1.2-3.1 mile) walks

Long-sleeve cotton shirt - For temple visits, air-conditioned spaces, and sun protection during midday activities

Waterproof phone case - Essential for boat trips and unexpected rain, local repair options limited and expensive

Cash in small denominations - Many attractions and local transport only accept cash, ATMs sometimes unreliable in outer areas

Electrolyte supplements - 70% humidity and 30°C (87°F) temperatures cause rapid dehydration during outdoor activities

Small daypack with rain cover - For carrying water, snacks, and weather protection during day trips to national parks and cultural sites

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities for 6am-11am window - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon storms, tourist sites are less crowded and temperatures 5-7°C (9-13°F) cooler

Stock up on supplies Saturday morning - many shops close Sunday afternoon, and Monday morning markets have limited fresh produce selection after weekend sales

Negotiate taxi fares to outer attractions in advance - September festival season sees 30-50% price increases, agree on return trip timing to avoid being stranded during afternoon storms

Book accommodation near Ela Beach or Harbor City - central locations reduce transport time and costs, walking access to markets and cultural sites, better restaurant options within 500m (0.3 mile) radius

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon storm intensity - tourists plan full day outdoor itineraries, then get caught in dangerous lightning storms lasting 45+ minutes with zero visibility

Wearing inappropriate footwear to cultural sites - flip-flops and sandals are disrespectful at traditional ceremonies and dangerous on wet surfaces, pack closed-toe shoes

Not carrying cash reserves - card readers frequently fail during storms, public transport and local guides require cash payment, banks may close unexpectedly during festival periods