Things to Do in Papua New Guinea in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
January Weather in Papua New Guinea
Long-run averages for January in Port Moresby
89°F (32°C)
High Temp
74°F (23°C)
Low Temp
7.6 inches (193 mm)
Rainfall
81%
Humidity
14
Rainy Days
14
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Flash flooding can turn dry creek beds into dangerous torrents within minutes of an afternoon downpour. Never camp near watercourses. Check road conditions before any overland travel. Treat river crossings on foot with extreme caution even when locals appear to wade through casually.
⚠ Malaria transmission peaks during the wet season as standing water from daily rains multiplies mosquito breeding sites. Begin antimalarial prophylaxis before arrival. Maintain strict dusk-to-dawn bite protection with DEET repellent and permethrin-treated clothing. Seek medical attention immediately for any fever onset during or after your trip.
⚠ Mountain airstrips in the Highlands and on smaller islands close without notice when cloud cover drops below safe landing minimums or runways flood. Build at least one full buffer day into any itinerary that involves domestic flights. Avoid booking international departures on the same day as a domestic connection.
What's On in Papua New Guinea in January
Papua New Guinea has a public holiday, New Year's Day, on Friday 1 January 2027. January temperatures average a high of 32°C and a low of 23°C, with average rainfall of 193 mm. January is about as warm as December but wetter than December, with 193 mm versus 99 mm.
January Climate Compared
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 32°C | 23°C | 99 mm |
| January | 32°C | 23°C | 193 mm |
| February | 31°C | 23°C | 140 mm |
January is about as warm as December; wetter than December (193 mm vs 99 mm); 1°C warmer than February; wetter than February (193 mm vs 140 mm).
Long-run monthly averages. Source: Wikipedia.
Daylight in January
Day length: 12 h 27 min on 1 January, 12 h 25 min on 15 January (−2 min compared with mid-December).
Computed from the city's coordinates (sunrise to sunset, standard solar geometry).
Public Holidays and Long Weekends
- New Year's Day: Friday 1 January 2027 (3-day weekend (Fri–Sun))
Holiday dates: Nager.Date. Long-weekend notes are computed from the weekday.
Quick Answers
How much rain does Papua New Guinea get in January?
On average 193 mm in January, wetter than February (193 mm vs 140 mm).
How warm is Papua New Guinea in January?
Average highs are 32°C and average lows 23°C.
How long are the days in Papua New Guinea in January?
About 12 h 25 min of daylight on 15 January.
Are there public holidays in Papua New Guinea in January?
Yes: New Year's Day on Friday 1 January 2027. 1 of them create a long weekend.
Where to Stay in Papua New Guinea in January
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for January travellers.
Public Holidays in January
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
New Year's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
New Year's Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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