The climate of Kiunga
Papua New Guinea’s
Kiunga follows the Am Köppen climate classification, indicating formidably wet, tropical monsoon climate. Situated in the lowland rainforest, Kiunga experiences high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. Rainfall is profuse and relatively steady, with a short drier period from
June to
August.
Looking at temperatures, the variation is minimal throughout the year. High temperatures range from a slightly cooler 28.6°C (83.5°F) in
July to a peak of 32.2°C (90°F) in
November. On the other side of the spectrum, low temperatures see only a brief dip in July and August to 21.8°C (71.2°F) and 21.9°C (71.4°F) respectively, with the rest of the year rarely straying far from 23°C (73.4°F).
Rainfall patterns adhere to monsoon dynamics, with an expected peak from
February to
May showing values from 294mm (11.57") to 306mm (12.05"), and a short respite from June to August where it lessens down to 100mm (3.94") in July from 150mm (5.91") in June. Humidity mirrors the rainfall pattern, with the initial months of the year revealing slightly drier conditions around 86 to 88% relative humidity, escalating to 91% by June.
UV indices consistently rate between 5 and 7, indicating moderate to high exposure levels. Kiunga’s geographical position affords it a steady daylight duration throughout the year, hovering around the 12-hour mark. Peak sunshine hours occur in the first and last two months when sunshine duration extends from 6.3 to 7.3 hours per day.
The best time to visit Kiunga
Suitable times to visit
Kiunga hinge on an understanding of personal preferences or intended activities. However, for those seeking a balance between comfortably warm temperatures and manageable rainfall, the months between
June and
August present the most amiable conditions. During these months, rainfall reduces to values between 100mm (3.94") and 150mm (5.91"), humidity is at its lowest, and maximum temperatures hover around a comfortable 29°C (84.2°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F).
The worst time to visit Kiunga
On the other side of the coin, from
February to
May, the weather can be challenging for visitors unaccustomed to high humidity and copious rainfall. The rainfall soars to values between 294mm (11.57") and 306mm (12.05") per month, and humidity hits a high of 90 to 91%. Thus, this period might not be the most favorable for those hoping to exploit outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Kiunga
Spring is a relative term in
Kiunga, given its tropical monsoon climate. However, taking the conventional
March-to-
May period, temperatures range pleasantly from 31.1°C (88°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F), and the low temperatures meander from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Despite the high rainfall during these months, the daylight hour stands nearly constant at around 12 hours, giving visitors ample time for exploration.
Summer weather in Kiunga
During the warmer months of
June to
August,
Kiunga experiences temperatures dropping ever so slightly to 28.6°C (83.5°F) in
July, and rainfall and humidity are at their yearly low. Still, sunshine hours dwindle to 3.5 hours in July from 5.9 hours per day in June. Despite shorter sunshine hours, these months marked by gentler weather fluctuations may be a favorable time for visitors.
Autumn weather in Kiunga
The conventional autumn months of
September to
November present warmer temperatures, ranging from 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 32.2°C (90°F), and increasing rainfall. November ushers in a phase of escalating rainfall with values jumping to 281mm (11.06"), and humidity levels peak. Daylight hours, however, begin picking up during these months.
Winter weather in Kiunga
The year tends to end on a warm and moist note given its tropical monsoon climate.
December witnesses the maximum temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F) along with high rainfall of 283mm (11.14"). Yet, daylight duration peaks towards the year-end, reaching its zenith at 12.5 hours in December. With daylight being abundant, it may be favorable for those looking to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible.
Weather in January
Starting the year,
Kiunga experiences a hot and humid climate with significant rainfall. With an average high temperature of 31.8°C (89.2°F) and relative humidity of 86%, the city encounters a heavy rainfall, reaching up to 249mm (9.8").
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January,
February still maintains a hot and humid climate, although the high temperature slightly reduces to 31.7°C (89.1°F). Contrasting its predecessor, this month observes slight reduction in rainfall, visibility, and wind speeds, creating adequate conditions for diverse flora in
Kiunga.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the autumn,
March, is also a hot month in
Kiunga,
Papua New Guinea, with an average temperature varying between 22.4°C (72.3°F) and 31.1°C (88°F). Kiunga experiences an average high-temperature of a still tropical 31.1°C (88°F) with the onset of March, subtly varied from
February's 31.7°C (89.1°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Characterizing
April in
Kiunga, is a slight decrease in temperature, compounded with a consistent weather pattern similar to
March. The trend of high precipitation continues, along with longer cloudy periods and minimal sunshine days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies a transition period in
Kiunga, as the weather begins to shift from the prevalent wet conditions of the previous months. Despite the slight reduction to 30.7°C (87.3°F) in high temperature, the relative humidity compounds to 90%, maintaining the wet conditions.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Kiunga marks the start of an apparent drop in rainfall, with new emerging weather trends. The month experiences a high temperature averaging 29°C (84.2°F), a notable dip compared to the preceding months. A significant decrease in rainfall to 150mm (5.91") and an increase in sunshine days underscores the changing weather conditions.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend set in
June, with a further decrease in rainfall and temperature. The temperature decreases to a yearly low of 28.6°C (83.5°F), while rainfall also drops significantly. Acknowledging the city's weather charm, the rising number of sunshine days highlights the calming ambience of
Kiunga.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather in
Kiunga is characterised by a rise in temperature to 29.5°C (85.1°F) and a slight increase in rainfall compared to the previous month. Alongside these changes, relative humidity declines while the number of sunshine days decreases.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Kiunga marks a transition from the cooler conditions of the previous months to a warmer, wetter atmosphere. Significant indicators of this shift include a rise in temperature to 30.2°C (86.4°F), an increase in rainfall and a decrease in the number of sunshine days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Kiunga enters
October with prevalent hot weather and considerable rainfall, with a noted increase in temperature to 31.6°C (88.9°F). Subtly diverging from
September, the month experiences a climb in rainfall and wind speeds, along with a decline in humidity.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The weather in
November in
Kiunga closely aligns with
October's, albeit with a minor rise in temperature and rainfall. The city encounters the highest temperature of the year at 32.2°C (90°F) and increased precipitation levels.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December's weather in
Kiunga mirrors that of
November, with a slight decrease in temperature to 31.6°C (88.9°F). This month continues to face significant rainfall and slightly reduced wind speeds. Notably, the number of sunshine days diminishes, leading to short daylight hours and longer evening times.
Weather in December » [Resources]