The climate of Goroka
Positioned in the Eastern Highlands Province of
Papua New Guinea,
Goroka offers a unique climate type guided by the Köppen climate classification as Af, which is a predominantly Tropical Rainforest climate. This climate type is characterized by consistently high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. In Goroka, temperatures usually hover between a high of 29°C (84.2°F) and a low of 12°C (53.6°F) across the changing months. The rainfall is a constant companion of Goroka's climate, varying from a lower measure of 83mm (3.27") in
July to a peak of 282mm (11.1") in
March.
Along with this, daylight hours subtly fluctuate from 11.8 hours per day on the cooler side of the spectrum to 12.5 hours on the brighter, with the average sunshine hours maintaining a consistent 5 hours per day, year-round. Annual ultraviolet (UV) index in Goroka remains steady at a high index of 12. This indicates a majority of days throughout the year here experience an extreme level of UV radiation, which could be of concern to those spending extended periods outdoors.
The best time to visit Goroka
Despite
Goroka's year-round warmer temperatures, prospective visitors might want to consider the monthly precipitation levels when planning their visit. The months from
June to
August witness less rainfall, ranging from 83mm (3.27") to 96mm (3.78"), compared to other months that can bring in as much as 282mm (11.1") of rain. Thus, these drier months might offer a preferable window of time for external activities and explorations.
The worst time to visit Goroka
Conversely to the best time to visit, the wettest months, from primarily
February through
April, might prove not ideal for outdoor activities. During this period,
Goroka frequently faces heavy rainfall, with
March recording the highest average precipitation of 282mm (11.1").
Spring weather in Goroka
Springtime in
Goroka is warmly pleasant as the temperatures average from a low of 12°C (53.6°F) to a high of 26°C (78.8°F). These warmer months walk hand in hand with noticeable rainfall, particularly in
March, where precipitation reaches its annual peak of 282mm (11.1") across 23 days of rainfall.
Summer weather in Goroka
Summers in
Goroka are marked by warmth and abundant rainfall. The average temperatures range from 12°C (53.6°F) during the coolest hours to 26°C (78.8°F), the highest average summer temperature. Rainfall is somewhat reduced from the spring months, averaging at 168mm (6.61") in
May.
Autumn weather in Goroka
Autumn in
Goroka witnesses temperatures varying marginally from 12°C (53.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), with rainfall following a similar pattern to the summer months.
September sees a gentler inclination in the rain gauge to 149mm (5.87").
Winter weather in Goroka
Unlike the typical winters of cooler climates, winters in
Goroka remain warm and comfortable. Temperatures vary marginally, with an average low of 13°C (55.4°F) and a high of 29°C (84.2°F). Despite this being the driest season of the year, rainfall in
December averages out at a substantial 259mm (10.2"), indicating the year-long presense of rainfall in this particular climate.
Weather in January
January signals the beginning of a new year in
Goroka, bringing with a fair amount of overcast skies in contrast to the year-end festive period. A consistent feature of the January landscape is the abundant rainfall, with January experiencing a significant 241mm (9.49") all through the month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The
February weather in
Goroka largely parallels that of
January. Nonetheless, this month brings with it an increased amount of rainfall amounting to 263mm (10.35"), the highest rise for the year to date. This makes Goroka's vibrant flora even more stunning under the soft, warm glow of the sun.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Goroka transitions seamlessly from the uniformly damp
February weather. This month witnesses the most rainfall for the year, peaking at roughly 282mm (11.1"). The high rainfall doesn’t deter outdoor activities, opportunely cooled by the rains.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Goroka brings a welcomed shift, with a decrease of rainfall from 217mm (8.54"), marking the start of the transition towards the drier months. The rainfall exhibits a noticeable drop compared to
March’s high levels. The reddish hue of the setting sun intensifies, painting the skies in deeper tones.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Goroka moves into
May, the changes from
April’s weather become more conspicuous, carrying fewer rainy days. There is a marked decrease in precipitation, settling at 168mm (6.61") for the month, signifying a clear shift towards dryer conditions.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June welcomes residents and visitors of
Goroka with dry weather. The region sees a dip in rainfall, significantly reducing to 93mm (3.66") this month. Interestingly, this period indicates the transition into the peak dry season, making it an ideal period for various outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Goroka continues the trend of the dry season with similar weather conditions as
June. The city experiences the least amount of precipitation for the year, measured at 83mm (3.27") for July. While the surrounding greenery flourishes, the low rainfall does little to dampen the city's jovial, outdoorsy spirit.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Goroka sees a bit of a shift. Despite the increase in rainfall to 96mm (3.78") this month, the weather remains relatively dry compared to the first half of the year. The weather presents an engaging mix of sunny days interspersed with swift, refreshing showers.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September weather in
Goroka tends to mimic the patterns of
August. The rainfall rises slightly to 149mm (5.87") compared to the previous two months. However, the city’s weather continues to strike a balance between cooler temperatures and rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Goroka begins the transition into the wetter season. This change is marked by a considerable increase in rainfall, rising to 186mm (7.32"). However, this doesn't drastically change the city’s overall dry feel it has maintained since
April.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Novel
November brings a remarkable change to
Goroka’s weather pattern. A sharp rise is observed in the amount of rainfall, reaching 199mm (7.83") for the month. November represents the initiation of Goroka's journey back into the wetter months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December closes the year in
Goroka with a return to rainy weather patterns. Rainfall heightens, culminating at 259mm (10.2"), signifying typical December weather. Despite high precipitation levels similar to those at the beginning of the year, the weather doesn’t remain a constant.
Weather in December » [Resources]