Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Weather in May

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Papua New Guinea in May.

Considering a trip to Papua New Guinea this May and wondering about the expected weather conditions? Find all the crucial information you need right here, addressing your question:

What to Expect in Papua New Guinea in May

May in Papua New Guinea generally has temperatures that range from warm to very warm, with precipitation levels ranging from high to heavy.

Temperatures

Based on our climate data spanning from 1990-2020, the average maximum temperature is warm in Mount Hagen at 23°C (73°F) to very warm in Port Moresby at 30°C (86°F). Nighttime temperatures generally drop to 24°C (75°F) in Port Moresby and 13°C (55°F) in Mount Hagen. While the given temperatures for day and night are typical, there may be days that feel warmer. Make sure you're dressed in a way that keeps you cool and comfortable.

To learn more about the conditions in specific areas of Papua New Guinea, check out the map below.

Precipitation

In May, precipitation varies across different areas. From high rainfall in Port Moresby with an average of 105 mm (4.1 in) to heavy rainfall in Lae with 654 mm (26 in).

Average sunshine

Many locations offer abundant sunshine during this month. For instance, Port Moresby enjoys approximately 212 hours of sunlight, ideal for those seeking sunny weather.

Explore Papua New Guinea by month

Best Places to Visit in Papua New Guinea in May

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Papua New Guinea.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Papua New Guinea

What is the weather like in May for some of the most popular destinations in Papua New Guinea?

Temperature range in Papua New Guinea (May)

Precipitation variation in Papua New Guinea (May)

Port Moresby

In May Port Moresby generally has very high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and high monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are tolerable that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
24°C (75°F)
24°C (75°F)
23°C (73°F)
Monthly sun hours
202 hours
212 hours
202 hours
Monthly rainfall
207 mm (8.1 in)
105 mm (4.1 in)
67 mm (2.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
14 days
11 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Madang

In May Madang generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
30°C (86°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
177 hours
217 hours
219 hours
Monthly rainfall
424 mm (17 in)
283 mm (11 in)
167 mm (6.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
21 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Kokopo

In May Kokopo generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are unpleasant that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
29°C (84°F)
Min temperature
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
25°C (77°F)
Monthly sun hours
168 hours
198 hours
210 hours
Monthly rainfall
283 mm (11 in)
213 mm (8.4 in)
166 mm (6.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
21 days
19 days
Weather conditions

Lae

In May Lae generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 27°C (81°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
28°C (82°F)
27°C (81°F)
27°C (81°F)
Min temperature
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
Monthly rainfall
731 mm (29 in)
654 mm (26 in)
607 mm (24 in)
Monthly rainy days
22 days
21 days
22 days
Weather conditions

Mount Hagen

In May Mount Hagen generally has high temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around 13°C (55°F) and heavy monthly rainfall. So on average the conditions are poor that month.

May
April
May
June
Max temperature
23°C (73°F)
23°C (73°F)
22°C (72°F)
Min temperature
14°C (57°F)
13°C (55°F)
13°C (55°F)
Monthly rainfall
456 mm (18 in)
293 mm (12 in)
221 mm (8.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
24 days
25 days
24 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Papua New Guinea.

Popular cities in May

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Papua New Guinea in May.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Port Moresby 30°C (86°F) 24°C (75°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Madang 30°C (86°F) 25°C (77°F) 283 mm (11 in)
Kokopo 29°C (84°F) 25°C (77°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Lae 27°C (81°F) 23°C (73°F) 654 mm (26 in)
Mount Hagen 23°C (73°F) 13°C (55°F) 293 mm (12 in)
Erave 26°C (79°F) 18°C (64°F) 451 mm (18 in)

Papua New Guinea weather in May: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Papua New Guinea in May?

May in Papua New Guinea brings unpleasant weather. In Port Moresby, daytime temperatures are typically around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows hover near 24°C (75°F).

What is the average temperature in Papua New Guinea in May?

Port Moresby averages a daytime maximum of 30°C (86°F) in May, with overnight lows close to 24°C (75°F).

Does Papua New Guinea get a lot of rain in May?

Port Moresby typically receives notable rainfall in May, about 105 mm (4.1 in) on average across Papua New Guinea.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Papua New Guinea?

Given the typically tolerable weather conditions in Port Moresby, May might be a good time to visit Papua New Guinea. It's worth noting that weather conditions might differ depending on the location you visit.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in July and August offering mostly perfect weather in Port Moresby. The weather in January, February, March, April and December, on the other hand, tends to be poor.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Papua New Guinea.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to Papua New Guinea? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in Papua New Guinea.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.