In Papua New Guinea, the division of the seasons is not characterized by distinct temperature differences, but rather by the transition between the wet and dry seasons and cultural practices tied to traditional events. Below are the main climate characteristics and events/cultures corresponding to the seasonal divisions of the calendar.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- It is a transitional period, with March marking the shift from the dry season to the wet season.
- From April to May, rainfall increases, and humidity rises.
- Temperatures fluctuate around 25 to 30℃.
Major Events/Culture
| Month |
Event |
Connection to Content/Climate |
| March |
Easter |
Worship and street parades in urban areas with a large Christian population. Outdoor activities become active during the favorable weather at the end of the dry season. |
| April |
Kopala Traditional Dance Festival (near Goroka) |
Display of dances by minority ethnic groups. Nighttime festivals become comfortable to enjoy as humidity rises. |
| May |
Hula Festival |
Held in villages in the Western Highlands. Traditional costumes and dances are showcased. The stable weather before the wet season provides a backdrop. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- It is the peak of the dry season with the least rainfall.
- Daytime temperatures reach around 30℃, while night temperatures can drop to 15 to 20℃.
- Continuous sunny weather makes it an ideal time for outdoor events.
Major Events/Culture
| Month |
Event |
Connection to Content/Climate |
| June |
Madang Festival |
Music and craft displays along the coast in Madang. Continued sunny dry season weather brings crowds to the beach. |
| July |
Ramen Yam Festival (Highlands) |
A harvest festival celebrating yam. Cool morning and evening temperatures make dancing and competitions comfortable. |
| August |
Mount Hagen Cultural Show |
The largest cultural festival held in the Highlands. Ethnic costumes and drum corps are featured under favorable dry season weather. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- The transition from the dry season to the wet season begins (rain increases around November).
- Temperatures remain stable at 25 to 30℃.
- Fog becomes more likely in the mornings and evenings.
Major Events/Culture
| Month |
Event |
Connection to Content/Climate |
| September |
Independence Day (September 16) |
Flag raising ceremonies and military parades. Large events take place utilizing the clear weather at the end of the dry season. |
| September to October |
Goroka Cultural Show |
Competitions among tribes. The festival begins as the sun rises amidst morning fog in high-altitude areas. |
| October |
Sepik Crocodile Festival |
A celebration of crocodile culture in riverside villages. The slightly cooler climate makes night rituals easier to conduct. |
| November |
Lae Agricultural Show |
An exhibition of agricultural tools and crops. Stable sunny weather before the onset of the wet season facilitates business negotiations. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- It is the peak of the wet season with the highest annual rainfall.
- Temperatures reach 25 to 30℃, with some days hitting around 90% humidity.
- Frequent downpours and localized thunderstorms occur.
Major Events/Culture
| Month |
Event |
Connection to Content/Climate |
| December |
Christmas/New Year Celebrations |
Illuminations and church services in urban areas. Gatherings take place targeting dry days amidst the wet season. |
| January |
Kuwanu Cultural Festival (East New Britain) |
A festival in a volcanic area. Traditional dances and masked performances are showcased during the less rainy period. |
| February |
Yam Harvest Festival |
Celebrations of harvest coincide with the end of the wet season, featuring traditional rituals and exchanges of harvests. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Major Events |
| Spring |
Transitional before the onset of the wet season, increasing humidity |
Easter, Kopala Traditional Dance Festival, Hula Festival |
| Summer |
Peak of dry season, continuous sunny weather |
Madang Festival, Yam Festival, Mount Hagen Cultural Show |
| Autumn |
Transition from dry to wet season, morning fog occurrence |
Independence Day, Goroka Cultural Show, Crocodile Festival |
| Winter |
Peak of wet season, high humidity and frequent downpours |
Christmas/New Year, Kuwanu Cultural Festival, Yam Harvest Festival |
Additional Notes
- Due to the tropical climate, it is hot and humid year-round, but cultural events vary significantly between the dry and wet seasons.
- Various minority ethnic groups have their own traditional events, with slight variations in scheduling among settlements.
- Many festivals showcase a fusion of indigenous and foreign cultures, including agricultural rituals and Christian ceremonies.
In Papua New Guinea, changes in climate are deeply intertwined with life and traditional events, resulting in a rich culture that celebrates seasonal transitions.
Light rain shower