Things to Do in Papua New Guinea in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Papua New Guinea
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Drier transition weather makes this one of the better months for highland trekking - trails in the Kokoda Track region are usually passable without the knee-deep mud you'd encounter June through September, though you'll still want proper boots
- Bird of Paradise breeding displays are at their peak in October, particularly in the lowland and mid-mountain forests around Varirata National Park and the Tari Basin - males are showing off their full plumage before the wet season intensifies
- Fewer travelers than the July-August peak means you'll actually have space at popular spots like Tufi and the Sepik River - accommodations typically drop 15-20% from high season rates, and you can often negotiate day-of bookings at guesthouses
- Sea conditions in Milne Bay and around New Britain are generally calmer than the rougher months ahead, making this an ideal window for diving and snorkeling before the northwest monsoon picks up in November
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - October sits right in the transition between dry and wet seasons, so you might get brilliant sunshine for three days then torrential rain that grounds small aircraft and cancels boat transfers without much warning
- Some remote lodges and tour operators in the Highlands start winding down operations in late October as they prepare for the heavier wet season, which can limit options if you're planning last-minute trips to places like Mount Hagen or Tari
- Afternoon humidity can be oppressive, especially in coastal areas like Port Moresby and Madang - that 70% humidity feels more like 85% when you're hiking or doing anything active between noon and 4pm
Best Activities in October
Kokoda Track Highland Trekking
October offers that sweet spot where trails are drying out but haven't yet turned to dust. The track is passable without extreme mud conditions, though you'll still encounter slippery sections - this is PNG, after all. Morning starts are crucial as cloud cover typically rolls in by early afternoon. You'll see far fewer trekkers than the July-August rush, which means more authentic village interactions and better availability at the basic guesthouses along the route. The 96 km (60 mile) full track typically takes 4-5 days for fit hikers, though most international visitors do guided 6-7 day trips to allow for proper acclimatization at altitude.
Sepik River Cultural Tours
Water levels in October are generally stable - not too high, not so low that navigation becomes tricky in the smaller tributaries. This makes it easier to reach the traditional villages where you'll find some of PNG's most impressive woodcarving traditions. The weather is warm but not brutally hot, and you'll catch the tail end of ceremonial season before communities shift focus to wet season gardening. Expect to spend 3-5 days on multi-day river expeditions staying in village guesthouses or basic lodges. The experience is genuinely remote - you're looking at motorized canoe transport, bucket showers, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
Milne Bay Diving and Snorkeling
October gives you some of the clearest water visibility before the northwest monsoon muddies things up in November and December. Water temperature sits around 27-28°C (81-82°F), comfortable enough for 3mm wetsuits or even dive skins. You'll find excellent muck diving conditions around Tawali and Tufi, and the WWII wrecks near Samarai Island are particularly atmospheric. The coral systems here are among the most biodiverse in the world - you're genuinely looking at 400-plus coral species. Sea conditions are typically calm in the mornings, though afternoon winds can pick up around 2-3pm.
Port Moresby Cultural Sites and Markets
October's weather in the capital is actually pretty decent - you'll get some rain, but it's not the constant deluge of January or February. The National Museum and Art Gallery is worth a solid half-day, and the markets (particularly Koki Market) are fascinating if you go with a local guide who knows the vendors. Port Moresby has a security reputation, and honestly, it's not entirely undeserved - you genuinely need to be smart about where you go and when. That said, organized day tours with experienced guides give you safe access to the city's genuine cultural highlights without the risks of wandering solo.
Varirata National Park Bird Watching
October is prime time for Bird of Paradise displays - the males are in full breeding plumage and actively performing their elaborate courtship dances in the early morning hours. You'll need to start hiking by 5:30-6:00am when birds are most active, which means overnight stays near the park or very early departures from Port Moresby (about 1 hour drive). The park sits at 600-800 m (1,970-2,625 ft) elevation, so it's noticeably cooler than the coast. Beyond the Birds of Paradise, you're looking at potential sightings of 100-plus bird species including various parrots, cockatoos, and hornbills. Trails can be muddy even in October's drier conditions.
Tari Basin Highland Village Visits
The Huli people in the Tari region are known for their distinctive wig ceremonies and traditional customs that have survived relatively intact. October weather in the Highlands is unpredictable but generally manageable - you'll get rain, but it tends to be afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours. The elevation here (around 1,600 m or 5,250 ft) means cool nights and mild days. Village visits need to be arranged through proper cultural protocols and with guides who have existing relationships with communities. This isn't a zoo - you're entering working villages where people are going about their lives, and respectful behavior is non-negotiable.
October Events & Festivals
Local Village Sing-Sings
October doesn't have the massive organized festivals like the Goroka or Mount Hagen shows, but various Highland communities hold smaller sing-sings (traditional gatherings with dance, music, and ceremonial dress) throughout the month. These are often tied to local events like bride price ceremonies or dispute resolutions rather than tourist schedules. If you're traveling with experienced guides who have village connections, they can sometimes arrange to time visits with these gatherings, though you need to be flexible and understand that plans can change. The authenticity factor is much higher than the big staged festivals.