Things to Do in Papuanewguinea in May

May Weather in Papuanewguinea

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Waterfalls at peak flow - Kila Kila Falls thunders at 15x volume compared to dry season, creating spectacular 200m (656 ft) drops perfect for photography
Bird watching excellence - May marks peak breeding season with over 780 species active, including Birds of Paradise performing elaborate mating displays from 5:30-7:30am
Fewer tourists - International visitor numbers drop 65% compared to July-August, meaning cultural experiences feel authentic and accommodation prices decrease 30-40%
Mudmen ceremonies accessible - Asaro Valley tribes perform traditional mudmen rituals weekly in May (weather permitting), versus monthly during dry season

Considerations

Daily rainfall disrupts plans - Afternoon downpours last 45-90 minutes starting around 2pm, making outdoor activities unreliable after midday
Trekking conditions challenging - Kokoda Track becomes muddy and slippery, with river crossings potentially dangerous due to 3x normal water levels
Flight delays common - Domestic flights to highland airstrips cancelled 25% more frequently due to cloud cover and afternoon storms

Best Activities in May

Highland Cultural Village Tours

May's cooler temperatures at altitude (18-22°C/64-72°F) make Mount Hagen and Western Highlands comfortable for walking tours. Villages are less crowded, and locals have more time for authentic interactions. Morning mist creates dramatic photography opportunities. Traditional sing-sing practices intensify before June celebrations.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed cultural tourism operators. Tours typically cost K200-350 (USD $55-95) including village entry fees and guide. Schedule for 6am-11am to avoid afternoon rains. Look for operators certified by PNG Tourism Authority.

Port Moresby City and Nature Walks

Capital city exploration works well in May as morning temperatures are manageable (24-28°C/75-82°F) before humidity peaks. Parliament House tours, National Museum, and Ela Beach markets are best experienced 7am-11am. Afternoon indoor cultural centers provide rain shelter.

Booking Tip: Half-day city tours cost K150-250 (USD $40-68) through registered guides. Book cultural center visits separately for K25-40 (USD $7-11) entry. Combine with indoor attractions for afternoon backup plans. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Sepik River Village Experiences

May's high water levels make Sepik River navigation easier, reaching villages inaccessible during dry months. Crocodile spotting improves as they're more active in warmer weather. Traditional carving demonstrations happen daily as artisans work indoors during afternoon rains. Water temperature perfect for swimming at 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Multi-day river tours range K800-1,200 (USD $218-327) including meals and village stays. Book 14-21 days ahead as boat capacity is limited. Wet season allows access to remote Chambri Lakes area. Look for operators with covered boats and indoor cultural activities.

Madang Snorkeling and Marine Tours

May offers exceptional underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98 ft) before June plankton blooms. Water temperature reaches comfortable 28°C (82°F). Coral spawning events occur mid-May, creating spectacular underwater displays. Morning departures (6:30am) beat afternoon storms by 4-5 hours.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost K300-450 (USD $82-123) including equipment and lunch. Book through dive shops with PADI certification. Half-day tours (3-4 hours) offer better weather windows than full-day options. Equipment rental adds K50-80 (USD $14-22) if not included.

Highland Coffee Plantation Tours

May marks coffee harvesting season in Western Highlands, offering hands-on picking experiences. Cool morning temperatures (16-20°C/61-68°F) make walking plantation trails comfortable. Processing demonstrations show bean-to-cup journey. Fresh roasting sessions provide warm indoor activities during afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Plantation visits cost K80-150 (USD $22-41) including tasting sessions. Book directly with plantations or through Mount Hagen tour operators. Morning tours (7am-11am) include harvest participation. Coffee purchases available at 40-50% below export prices.

Rabaul Volcano and Hot Springs

May's increased rainfall creates more dramatic volcanic steam effects at Mount Tavurvur. Hot springs reach optimal temperature (42-45°C/108-113°F) for soaking. Volcanic ash mixed with rain creates unique black sand beaches. Indoor volcano observatory provides educational content during downpours.

Booking Tip: Volcano tours range K200-320 (USD $55-87) including hot springs access. Book through Rabaul-based operators with safety certifications. Morning departures essential - volcanic activity often obscured by afternoon clouds. Transport to hot springs adds K40-60 (USD $11-16).

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Mount Hagen Cultural Show Preparations

Villages throughout Western Highlands begin intensive preparations for the August cultural show, offering visitors glimpses of costume creation, dance practice, and traditional craft workshops. This behind-the-scenes access provides more intimate cultural experiences than the crowded main event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof daypack with roll-top closure - daily 45-90 minute downpours will soak through regular zippers and fabric

Quick-dry pants (synthetic blend) - cotton stays wet for hours in 82% humidity, synthetic materials dry within 2-3 hours

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - highland trails become muddy and slippery, ankle injuries increase 40% during wet season

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even on cloudy days, and many coastal areas have coral protection requirements

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquito activity peaks during wet season, particularly in Sepik and coastal lowlands

Lightweight rain jacket (packable) - afternoon storms start suddenly, and temperatures drop 8-10°C (14-18°F) during downpours

Microfiber towel - regular towels won't dry overnight in high humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and unexpected downpours, local replacement options are limited and expensive

Long-sleeve cotton shirts for evenings - mosquito protection plus cultural respect in village settings

Cash in small denominations (PNG Kina) - many village experiences and local transport only accept cash, ATMs unreliable outside major towns

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for early morning departures (6-8am) - afternoon storms cancel 25% more flights after 2pm, and rebooking can take 2-3 days

Carry plastic bags for electronics and documents - even covered areas get wet during heavy downpours, and replacement costs are 3-4x international prices

Plan indoor backup activities for every outdoor day - locals schedule important outdoor work before 11am knowing afternoon rains are near-certain

Negotiate accommodation rates directly - May occupancy drops to 40-60%, giving you leverage for 20-30% discounts off published rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling Kokoda Track attempts - the famous trek becomes genuinely dangerous in May due to swollen river crossings and slippery conditions, with evacuation costs exceeding K5,000 (USD $1,360)

Packing only cotton clothing - cotton retains moisture for 6+ hours in humid conditions, leading to skin irritation and unpleasant odors within 2-3 days

Booking afternoon flights or activities - 70% of May days have significant rainfall between 1-4pm, disrupting outdoor plans and transportation