Things to Do in Papuanewguinea in November

November Weather in Papuanewguinea

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Lush tropical landscapes at their most vibrant - waterfalls reach peak flow and rainforest vegetation is exceptionally green after dry season recovery
Bird of Paradise mating season begins - November marks the start of spectacular courtship displays, making it ideal for wildlife photography
Lowest tourist numbers of the year - major sites like Kokoda Track and Mount Wilhelm have minimal crowds, allowing for authentic cultural interactions
Festival season kicks off - traditional Sing-Sing preparations begin in Highland provinces, offering glimpses of authentic cultural practices before tourist season

Considerations

Heavy afternoon downpours 15+ days per month - expect 2-3 hour tropical storms that can halt outdoor activities and make remote area access dangerous
Extremely high humidity at 85% makes physical activities exhausting - trekking becomes significantly more challenging with muddy, slippery conditions
Limited flight reliability - domestic airlines frequently delay or cancel flights due to weather, particularly to remote destinations like Tari and Vanimo

Best Activities in November

Highland Cultural Village Visits

November marks the beginning of traditional festival preparation season in the Western and Southern Highlands. Villages are actively preparing costumes, practicing dances, and crafting traditional items. The wet season creates ideal conditions for witnessing authentic daily life as communities spend more time in communal areas during frequent rain breaks. Temperatures in highland areas like Mount Hagen drop to comfortable 18-22°C (64-72°F) during rain.

Booking Tip: Book through established cultural tourism operators 3-4 weeks ahead. Expect to pay 800-1,200 Kina for multi-day highland experiences. Look for operators who work directly with village communities and include overnight homestays. Weather delays are common, so build 2-3 extra days into itineraries.

Sepik River Wildlife Tours

The beginning of wet season brings perfect conditions for Sepik River exploration. Rising water levels make tributaries accessible while crocodiles become more active in warmer 28-30°C (82-86°F) water temperatures. Bird life explodes with migratory species arriving, and traditional sago palm harvesting season provides authentic cultural experiences. Morning tours avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: River lodge packages typically cost 1,500-2,500 Kina for 3-4 days including meals and guides. Book through operators with covered boats and flexible schedules to work around weather. Best tours depart early morning (6-7am) returning by 2pm before storms hit. See current options in booking section below.

Kokoda Track Day Sections

While full track completion is challenging in wet season, day hikes on accessible sections like Owers Corner to Goldie River offer incredible rainforest experiences without extreme weather exposure. November's frequent rain creates dramatic creek crossings and waterfall formations. Cooler morning temperatures 22-25°C (72-77°F) before 10am provide comfortable trekking windows.

Booking Tip: Day section tours range from 300-600 Kina including transport from Port Moresby. Choose operators offering morning-only itineraries finishing by 2pm. Ensure groups are small (6-8 people maximum) for safety during wet conditions. Multi-day attempts require extensive weather contingency planning.

Port Moresby Museum and Market Tours

November's frequent afternoon storms make indoor cultural activities ideal. The National Museum showcases traditional artifacts while local markets like Koki and Gordons offer covered shopping experiences. Morning market visits (7-10am) capture the most activity before weather disrupts outdoor vendors. Air-conditioned cultural centers provide comfortable refuges during 85% humidity days.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours cost 200-400 Kina per person including transport and guide. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon weather and capture markets at peak activity. Look for operators including both museum entry and traditional craft demonstrations. Book day-of for flexibility around weather.

Madang Coastal Snorkeling

November brings calm morning waters before afternoon storms, creating ideal snorkeling conditions 6am-11am. Water temperatures reach perfect 27-29°C (81-84°F) while rainfall reduces saltwater clarity only temporarily. Frequent rain means fewer tourists at premier sites like Pig Island and Tab Island, offering pristine reef experiences.

Booking Tip: Morning snorkeling tours run 400-700 Kina for half-day trips including equipment and boat transport. Book evening before for next morning departure - operators adjust based on weather forecasts. Choose covered boats with quick shore access for weather changes. Equipment quality varies significantly between operators.

Rabaul Volcano and Hot Springs

Wet season creates dramatic volcanic landscapes with steam mixing with rain clouds for spectacular photography. Hot springs reach optimal soaking temperatures while frequent cool rain showers provide natural contrast. November marks decreased volcanic activity monitoring, allowing closer access to crater viewpoints during clear morning windows before 11am.

Booking Tip: Volcano tours range 500-800 Kina for full-day experiences including hot springs access. Morning departures essential - afternoon visibility drops to near zero during storms. Ensure operators provide waterproof transportation and have indoor backup locations. Some tour routes close completely during heavy rain periods.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Highland Sing-Sing Preparation Season

Communities throughout Western and Southern Highlands begin intensive preparations for upcoming festival season. Witness traditional costume creation, dance practice sessions, and cultural craft workshops. Not formal festivals but authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Early to Mid November

Bird of Paradise Mating Displays

Multiple species begin elaborate courtship behaviors in highland and lowland forests. Raggiana Birds of Paradise, King Birds of Paradise, and other endemic species are most active during early morning hours in territorial displays.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with deep treads - muddy highland trails become extremely slippery, and standard shoes are inadequate for 180mm (7.1 inches) monthly rainfall

Quick-dry synthetic clothing layers - avoid cotton which stays wet for hours in 85% humidity and never fully dries between daily downpours

Waterproof phone case and electronics protection - sudden tropical storms can destroy devices, and replacement electronics cost 3-4x international prices in PNG

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 10 causes burns within 15 minutes, and local sunscreen availability is limited outside Port Moresby

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - wet season brings peak mosquito activity including malaria-carrying species, particularly active during humid evenings

Lightweight rain poncho and waterproof daypack cover - standard rain jackets become unbearably hot in extreme humidity, ponchos provide better ventilation

Multiple pairs of moisture-wicking socks - feet stay wet most of the day, and fungal infections are common without proper sock rotation

Cash in small denominations (10-50 Kina notes) - remote areas operate cash-only, and ATMs are scarce outside major towns with frequent power outages during storms

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages during storms are common, and many guesthouses lack backup lighting systems

Anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts - combination of new foods, different water sources, and dehydration from humidity causes frequent stomach issues

Insider Knowledge

Morning golden hour (6-8am) provides the best weather window for outdoor activities - locals start work at dawn specifically to avoid afternoon storms and peak humidity

Domestic flights operate on 'PNG time' even in good weather, but November storms cause 40-60% flight delays - always book morning flights and build extra days into tight itineraries

Highland lodge prices drop 30-40% in November due to wet season, but book directly with properties rather than online platforms to negotiate weather-flexible cancellation policies

Village markets close completely during heavy downpours - carry small denominations of cash and shop opportunistically when weather breaks rather than following rigid schedules

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting multi-day treks during peak wet season - even experienced hikers underestimate how dangerous muddy mountain trails become with daily heavy rainfall

Booking tight connection flights between domestic destinations - November weather delays cascade through PNG's limited flight network, often stranding travelers for 2-3 days

Packing only one set of outdoor gear - everything stays wet in November's humidity, and having backup hiking clothes/shoes prevents being stuck indoors during clearing weather