The climate of Lake Kutubu
Lake Kutubu,
Papua New Guinea, characterized by an Af, tropical rainforest climate according to the Köppen climate classification, experiences consistent weather patterns throughout the year. Temperatures, for instance, maintain an average monthly high ranging from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) and a monthly low ranging from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). There is virtually no seasonality, with temperatures, humidity, and rainfall remaining relatively stable.
In addition to the constant temperatures, Lake Kutubu sees high humidity levels, with a relative humidity mark averaging 92% to 94%. Notably, precipitation is present in every month, with rainfall reaching from 210mm (8.27") to 417mm (16.42") per month. The number of rainfall days stays between 29 to 31 days a month, painting a vivid picture of the tropical rainforest ecosystem prevalent in this region.
Though it experiences constant cover of clouds, averaging from 66% to 76% per month, Lake Kutubu still savors sunlight. While daylight hovers between 11.8 hours to 12.5 hours throughout the year, monthly sunshine hours range from 5.2 hours to 6.9 hours. The months of
November experience the maximum average sunshine hours at 6.9 hours per day.
Wind speeds show minor deviation over the year, ranging from 3.2km/h (2mph) to 3.8km/h (2.4mph). The maximum gusts of wind recorded vary between 5.2km/h (3.2mph) to 6.2km/h (3.9mph).
The best time to visit Lake Kutubu
Despite a consistently tropical climate throughout the year, some months provide a more pleasant visit than others. Of all the months,
July experiences the least rain with a total of 210mm (8.27") rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor pursuits.
November, offering the highest average sunlight duration at 6.9 hours per day, possibly ensures a better view of the splendid nature in and around the lake.
The worst time to visit Lake Kutubu
On the other hand, the months witnessing the highest rainfall should ideally be avoided.
March and
December see 417mm (16.42") and 411mm (16.18") of rain, respectively, which might deter outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and lake excursions.
Spring weather in Lake Kutubu
At
Lake Kutubu, the concept of traditional seasons does not exist due to its tropical climate. However, if spring were to be defined as the months of
March,
April, and
May, these months are characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly March, which experiences the highest rainfall throughout the year at 417mm (16.42").
Summer weather in Lake Kutubu
The summer months of
June,
July, and
August exhibit slightly drier conditions than the rest of the year. Average temperature highs remain from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) with July being the driest month across the year, receiving a total of 210mm (8.27") of rainfall.
Autumn weather in Lake Kutubu
Autumn, which is typically represented by the months from
September to
November, does not bring the quintessential foliage change. Rainfall and humidity remain high, with November boasting the maximum average sunshine hours at 6.9 hours daily.
Winter weather in Lake Kutubu
In
Lake Kutubu, winter months, symbolized by
December,
January, and
February, do not portray a stark contrast in comparison to other months of the year. Temperatures hover between a low of 12.5°C (54.5°F) to a high of 19.9°C (67.8°F). The rainfall in December as well reaches 411mm (16.18"), making it one of the wettest months of the year.
Weather in January
Looking at
Lake Kutubu in
Papua New Guinea,
January entails conditions typically tropical with high humidity and frequent rain. The thermometer often hovers from 12.5°C (54.5°F) to 19.8°C (67.6°F), setting the conditions for the most rainfall, with 353mm (13.9") recorded in this month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a slight easing of conditions, with a minor drop to 310mm (12.2") in rainfall in comparison to
January. This does not result in any significant change in temperature. The
Lake Kutubu area retains a high humidity, contributing to the cloud cover that continues to be persistent.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Heading into
March, weather conditions in
Lake Kutubu take a dramatic turn with the highest rainfall of the year recorded at 417mm (16.42"). This does not significantly affect the temperatures which maintain a fairly stable range.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Transitioning to
April, there is a small dip in the amount of rainfall recorded to 401mm (15.79"), yet this continues to contribute to high levels of humidity. Cloud coverage increases slightly, while sunlight reduces, bringing in cooler conditions.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Lake Kutubu witnesses a shift in weather patterns in
May with a decrease in average rainfall to 355mm (13.98"). Despite the reduced rainfall, humidity remains high and temperatures consistent, reinforcing the tropical state of the environment.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June records a further reduction in rainfall levels to 273mm (10.75"), signifying a definitive shift from the heavy rainy season in
Lake Kutubu. Nevertheless, humidity remains high with persistent cloud cover, underpinning the tropical classification of climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July at
Lake Kutubu showcases weather patterns with the least rainfall, recorded at 210mm (8.27"), indicating that it is the driest month of the year. Ambient temperature continues to hover within the same range, and humidity even with reduced rainfall, continues to be characteristically high.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the rainfall at
Lake Kutubu bounces back marginally, to 223mm (8.78"), resetting the weather momentum towards the heavy rain season for the second half of the year. The trend of consistent temperature continues, the humidity remains constant at 93%, optimizing conditions for a rich biodiverse environment.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Entering the traditional spring month,
September brings an increase in rainfall to 268mm (10.55") at
Lake Kutubu, thereby superseding
August. The inclement conditions, however, do not change the temperature, maintaining a steady atmosphere.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October exhibits an upswing in the amount of rainfall, with a figure of around 400mm (15.75"). This mark of increased rainfall does not veer the overall atmospheric conditions away from its tropical characteristics at
Lake Kutubu.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November approaches,
Lake Kutubu experiences a minor decrease in rainfall, registering 381mm (15") for the month. Despite this slight decrease, it continues to provide a significant water source, supporting the high humidity and persistent cloud cover.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December experiences a slight increase in rainfall to 411mm (16.18"). On observing the weather patterns, the rainfall does not have a noticeable effect upon the prevailing temperatures of
Lake Kutubu. The cloud cover remains below 70%, ensuring an average visibility of 6km (3.7mi) and up to 6 hours of daily sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]