Port Moresby Temperatures: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
On this page, we’ll explore Port Moresby’s temperature statistics in detail, including day and night variations and monthly averages. We’ll also compare the annual temperature to other cities in Papua New Guinea.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Port Moresby enjoys a stable climate with temperatures staying pretty much the same throughout the year. On average, maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 31°C in December to a warm 29°C in August. Nighttime temperatures can drop, with averages reaching 23°C in August.
The chart below illustrates the average maximum day and minimum night temperatures in Port Moresby by month:
The lowest temperatures typically occur between 4 AM and 6 AM, while the peak temperatures are generally observed around 3 PM, when the sun's heating is most intense. December, the city’s warmest month, enjoys 218 hours of sunshine.
The chart below shows the average temperature throughout the year:
August, the city’s coldest month, receives about 49 mm of rainfall spread over roughly 6 days. For more information, please visit our Port Moresby Precipitation page.
Annual Temperatures in Papua New Guinea Compared
The map below shows the annual temperature across Papua New Guinea. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
very warm
warm
pleasant
moderate
cold
very cold
Port Moresby Temperatures Compared World Wide
Port Moresby’s average annual maximum temperature is 30°C. Let’s compare this with some popular tourist destinations:
In Lisbon, Portugal, the average annual temperature is 21°C, offering warm summers and mild, rainy winters.
Meanwhile, Queenstown, New Zealand, the average annual temperature is significantly lower at 10°C, with mild summers and cold winters.
Meanwhile, New York City, USA, experiences a more pronounced seasonal variation with an average annual temperature of 17°C.
Melbourne, Australia, has a slightly cooler climate, with an average annual temperature of 20°C.
How does the temperature feel?
Humidity is an essential factor in how you experience temperature. When a warm period is accompanied by high humidity, it results in a higher perceived temperature. This is especially true when temperatures exceed 25°C, as it can cause greater discomfort.
In Port Moresby, during the coolest month, August, you will experience 75% humidity, which is considered high. This is accompanied by an average maximum temperature of 29°C. In the warmest month, December, the humidity is 77% combined with an average maximum temperature of 31°C, which creates a high-feel temperature. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
How are these Temperatures Measured?
Generally, temperature data depicting climate is usually given over a 30-year average in order to reduce short-term fluctuations and reveal better long-term trends in climate conditions.
This temperature data is taken from land-based thermometers, ocean buoys, ships, and satellites. These measurements are transmitted to weather stations and climate centers around the globe where they are processed, averaged, and analyzed in order to monitor the trends and create climate models.
Sea vs. Land Temperatures
The influence of nearby oceans or large water bodies significantly affects local temperatures:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions tend to have more stable temperatures, as large bodies of water absorb and release heat slowly. This often results in milder winters and cooler summers compared to inland areas.
- Continental Climates: Landmasses well away from large bodies of water tend to show greater extremes in temperature, having hotter summers and colder winters because of the absence of water as a moderating influence.
For more detailed information about Port Moresby’s weather, including monthly rainfall, sunshine hours, and humidity levels, visit our Port Moresby climate page.
Current temperature in Port Moresby
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