Things to Do in Papuanewguinea in April

April Weather in Papuanewguinea

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak diving visibility at offshore islands - water clarity reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft) after March rains settle, making April optimal for underwater photography
Festival season winds down meaning lower accommodation rates (20-30% less than March) but traditional singsing performances still active in highland villages
Cool mountain weather in highlands - Tari and Mount Hagen average 18-22°C (64-72°F) during day, perfect for trekking without wet season mud
Bird-watching prime time as migratory species overlap with residents - over 200 species active simultaneously in lowland rainforests

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms intensify mid-month - 60% chance daily between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor activities and domestic flights
River levels rising makes some interior lodge access challenging - tributaries of Sepik and Fly rivers can be unpredictable for small boat transfers
High humidity (70-80%) makes coastal areas feel oppressive - Port Moresby temperatures feel like 35-38°C (95-100°F) despite actual temps of 31°C (88°F)

Best Activities in April

Milne Bay Province Diving Expeditions

April offers pristine underwater conditions after March storms clear sediment from reefs. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F) with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility. Fewer boats mean pristine dive sites and better marine life encounters. Manta ray activity peaks at cleaning stations.

Booking Tip: Book liveaboard expeditions 6-8 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators. Expect rates of USD 200-350 per day including accommodation. Check weather windows as operators may adjust itineraries for afternoon storms. See current dive tour options in booking section below.

Western Highlands Trekking Routes

Cool, dry conditions make April ideal for multi-day treks without wet season mud. Daytime temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) perfect for hiking. Traditional festivals still occurring in remote villages - witness authentic cultural exchanges. Morning clarity offers stunning mountain photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided treks 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed cultural tour operators. Budget USD 150-250 per person daily including guides, porters, village stays. All trekking requires local guide permits - no independent hiking allowed. Current highland tour options available in booking section.

Sepik River Cultural Immersion

River levels optimal for accessing traditional villages before May flood season. Crocodile ceremonies and traditional carving demonstrations active in riverside communities. Cooler mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) ideal for long boat journeys. Art production peaks as carvers prepare pieces before wet season isolation.

Booking Tip: Book river expeditions 4-6 weeks ahead through operators with established village relationships. Expect USD 180-280 daily including boat, guide, village accommodation, meals. Verify operator has current tribal permissions - essential for authentic experiences. See booking options below.

Port Moresby Cultural Centers and Markets

April hosts final traditional performances before wet season reduces highland village access. National Museum features rotating tribal artifact exhibitions. Ela Beach markets showcase seasonal produce from various provinces. Indoor activities perfect for avoiding afternoon storms between 2-5pm.

Booking Tip: Cultural center tours cost USD 25-45 per person with guide. Book same-day or 1-2 days ahead. Combine multiple venues in morning hours (9am-1pm) before afternoon storms. Independent exploration possible - entry fees typically USD 5-15. Current city tour options in booking section.

Raja Ampat Border Island Hopping

Crossover diving between Papua New Guinea and Indonesian waters offers unique biodiversity. April provides calm seas before monsoon shift. Water visibility exceptional at 30m+ (98+ ft). Remote islands have minimal tourist infrastructure - true wilderness diving experience.

Booking Tip: Cross-border expeditions require advance permits - book 8-10 weeks ahead through operators handling visa logistics. Budget USD 300-450 daily for remote island access. Weather-dependent - operators maintain flexible itineraries. Limited departures monthly - check current availability below.

Oro Province Kokoda Track Sections

April offers manageable weather for history trekking before heavy rains make trail treacherous. Cooler temperatures in mountain sections (15-20°C/59-68°F) ideal for memorial site visits. Local guides share wartime stories passed down through families. Trail conditions optimal for photography.

Booking Tip: Historical trekking requires certified guides with Track Authority permits. Book 6-8 weeks ahead - limited daily trekker numbers enforced. Budget USD 200-300 daily including guide, porter, camping equipment. Physical fitness assessment required. Current Track tour options available below.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Mount Hagen Cultural Show Preparation Season

Villages throughout Western Highlands begin intensive preparation for annual cultural festivals. Witness authentic costume creation, traditional dance practice sessions, and ceremonial preparations in small village settings. More intimate and authentic than major festival crowds.

Early to Mid April

Trobriand Islands Yam Harvest Celebrations

Traditional yam harvest ceremonies conclude in Milne Bay Province. Communities celebrate with traditional dances, competitive displays of harvest size, and inter-village festivities. Authentic cultural immersion opportunity with minimal tourist presence.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain poncho (not umbrella) - afternoon storms bring 30-40mm (1.2-1.6 inch) downpours in 20-minute bursts with wind

SPF 50+ zinc-based sunscreen - UV index 8-10 at sea level, higher at altitude, reapply every 90 minutes in humidity

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton in 70-80% humidity, bring 2x more changes than normal climates

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds

Lightweight hiking boots with ankle support - uneven terrain in villages and muddy paths after rain common

Anti-malaria medication started 2 weeks before arrival - lowland areas particularly active during April transition season

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - evening mosquito activity intense, dengue fever risk in populated areas

Cash in small denominations (PNG Kina notes) - remote areas operate cash-only, ATMs unreliable outside Port Moresby

Portable phone charger/power bank - power outages common during storms, charging opportunities limited in remote areas

Neutral-colored clothing for cultural sites - bright colors inappropriate for traditional village visits, long pants/sleeves required

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights with Air Niugini for morning departures only - afternoon thunderstorms cancel 40% of flights after 2pm, stranding travelers for days

Carry photocopies of passport and permits separately - police checkpoints frequent on highland roads, originals should stay in accommodation

Village visits require gift exchange protocol - bring small manufactured goods (soap, batteries, simple tools) rather than money for cultural courtesy

Negotiate boat transfers in advance with backup weather days - river conditions change rapidly, operators may strand tourists without contingency planning

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling tight connections through Port Moresby - domestic flights delayed frequently in April weather, build in 24-hour buffers minimum

Bringing only summer clothing - highland temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at night, inadequate clothing ruins mountain experiences

Expecting Western-style infrastructure in remote areas - villages lack running water, electricity, cellular coverage - mental preparation essential for comfort