Things to Do in Papuanewguinea in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Papuanewguinea
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Waterfalls at peak flow - March's rainfall creates spectacular cascades like Sekumpul and Moramo Falls at their most dramatic, with volumes 300% higher than dry season
- Lush highland trekking conditions - Cool mountain air (18-22°C/64-72°F) in the Central Highlands provides relief from coastal humidity, perfect for multi-day treks through cloud forests
- Cultural festival season - March coincides with harvest celebrations in highland communities, offering authentic cultural exchanges without tourist crowds
- Diving visibility peaks - Counter-intuitively, March offers 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility as rain washes sediment offshore, creating pristine conditions for macro photography
Considerations
- Unpredictable flight schedules - Domestic flights to remote airstrips face 40-60% cancellation rates due to weather, requiring flexible itineraries and backup plans
- Muddy overland travel - Many highland roads become impassable 4WD tracks, adding 2-3 hours to journey times and requiring serious off-road vehicles
- Intense humidity and heat - Coastal areas feel like 38-40°C (100-104°F) with 85% humidity, making midday activities genuinely uncomfortable for most visitors
Best Activities in March
Highland Valley Trekking Expeditions
March's wet season transforms PNG's highland valleys into emerald landscapes with comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures. The Kokoda Track and Baliem Valley offer stunning visibility between morning mist and afternoon clouds. Rain typically holds off until 2pm, giving trekkers 6-7 hours of ideal hiking conditions daily.
Sepik River Cultural Expeditions
March's high water levels make the mighty Sepik River fully navigable, accessing remote villages usually unreachable. Water levels are 2-3m (6-10 ft) higher than dry season, allowing motorized canoes to reach traditional stilt communities. Morning river temperatures stay cool before afternoon heat builds.
Milne Bay Diving Adventures
March delivers PNG's clearest underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) as seasonal rains wash coastal sediment away. Water temperatures hold steady at 28°C (82°F). The famous muck diving sites like Dinah's Beach and Wahoo Point reveal their full macro marine life diversity during this peak visibility window.
Rabaul Volcano Observatory Tours
March's dramatic weather creates spectacular volcanic viewing opportunities as thermal activity increases with barometric pressure changes. The active Tavurvur crater produces more frequent eruptions viewable from safe distances. Morning visibility is excellent before afternoon cloud buildup.
Port Moresby Nature Park Wildlife Encounters
March's wet season brings PNG's endemic wildlife to peak activity levels. Bird-of-paradise mating displays intensify, and tree kangaroos are most active during cooler morning temperatures. The covered walkways provide excellent wildlife viewing even during afternoon downpours.
Mount Wilhelm Summit Expeditions
March provides the clearest summit views from PNG's highest peak at 4,509m (14,793 ft) as wet season clouds create dramatic morning inversions below. Temperatures drop to 5°C (41°F) at summit, providing relief from coastal heat. Weather windows between storms offer spectacular panoramic visibility.
March Events & Festivals
Highland Coffee Harvest Celebrations
March marks peak arabica coffee harvest in the Western Highlands, with villages hosting traditional sing-sings (cultural festivals) to celebrate. Visitors can participate in coffee picking, traditional cooking, and evening ceremonial dances around fires.
Port Moresby Show
The capital's largest cultural showcase features over 100 tribal groups displaying traditional dress, dance, and crafts. This government-supported event offers the safest and most comprehensive cultural experience for visitors, with organized transport and security.