Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Gulf, Papua New Guinea, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger Af category, indicating a tropical rainforest climate characterized by high humidity and substantial precipitation. Temperature variations are minimal throughout the year, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) recorded in September, while the average hovers around 27°C (80°F). Peaks in temperature reach 32°C (89°F) in February, showcasing the region's warm and consistent tropical conditions. This climate encourages a rich biodiversity, necessitating further study into its ecological impacts and adaptations.
In Gulf, Papua New Guinea, temperature patterns exhibit a remarkable consistency throughout the year, typical of a tropical rainforest climate. January and February record the highest maximum temperatures, reaching 31°C (88°F) and 32°C (89°F), while maintaining an average of 28°C (82°F). As the year progresses into March and April, temperatures slightly decline, with averages hovering around 27°C (81°F), reaching lower high temperatures. From June to September, a marked decrease is evident, with minimum temperatures dropping to 22°C (73°F) in September and average temperatures falling to 25°C (78°F). Following this cooler period, temperatures rise again in October and November, with averages returning to 26°C (80°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively, culminating in a warm finish to the year in December that echoes the February peaks. This cyclical pattern illustrates Gulf's fairly stable warm climate, punctuated by subtle seasonal shifts.
In the Gulf of Papua New Guinea, Kerema experiences a minimum temperature of 22°C (73°F) in September and peaks at 32°C (89°F) in February, while Ihu records a slightly warmer minimum of 23°C (74°F) in September and a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in February. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Kerema and monthly temperatures in Ihu.
Precipitation in Gulf, Papua New Guinea, reflects the characteristics of a tropical rainforest climate, with substantial rainfall occurring throughout the year. The wettest months tend to be April and June, where precipitation peaks at 373 mm (14.7 in) and 374 mm (14.7 in), respectively, accompanied by an average of around 26 to 28 rainy days. March also features heavy rainfall with 288 mm (11.4 in), indicating a consistent trend of significant moisture, particularly during the first half of the year. The pattern suggests a well-defined wet season, which is crucial for the region's rich biodiversity.
As the year progresses, a gradual decline in precipitation is observed, particularly in the latter months. October marks a notable drop with 212 mm (8.3 in), followed by further decreases in November and December, with 222 mm (8.7 in) and 185 mm (7.3 in), respectively. Despite this reduction, a relatively high number of rainy days persists, particularly in October and November. The overall precipitation dynamics in Gulf showcase a regime defined by a pronounced wet season, gradually tapering into a drier phase as the year closes, thereby shaping the region's lush landscapes and ecosystems.
In Gulf, Papua New Guinea, sunshine duration showcases a notable seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase in hours of sunlight as the year transitions from the cooler to the warmer months. Starting from 208 hours in January, the region experiences a gradual ascent in sunshine hours, peaking in December with an impressive 281 hours. This upward trajectory signifies the growing intensity of sunlight during the winter-to-summer transition, with notable peaks occurring in May (265 hours) and August (267 hours), highlighting these months as particularly radiant.
As the year progresses into the latter months, this trend remains largely consistent, with October and November also offering ample sunshine, recorded at 277 hours and 268 hours, respectively. The comparison with earlier months emphasizes an overall shift toward brighter conditions, with the rainy season likely influencing the seasonal variation in cloud cover and subsequent sunlight availability. Consequently, while Gulf enjoys substantial sunshine year-round, the late spring and early summer months stand out as the most sun-kissed, fostering an environment ripe for diverse ecosystems and outdoor activities.
The UV Index in Gulf, Papua New Guinea, presents an alarming trend, consistently categorizing the region within the extreme exposure category for most of the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index reaches a staggering 15, and remains high throughout the first half of the year, peaking at 16 in February and March. This elevated UV exposure translates to a critical burn time of just 10 minutes, indicating the need for precautionary measures against harmful sun exposure. April sees a slight decrease to 15, but the following months continue to reflect a high risk, with values still indicative of intense solar radiation.
As the year progresses, while the UV Index does experience a gradual decline, it remains within the extreme category. By late summer and into autumn, June and July note a minor dip to 11, yet the UV levels rise again to 15 in September, October, and November. Finally, December rounds out the year with a UV Index of 14. This persistent intensity throughout the year highlights the importance of sun safety and skin protection strategies for those living in or visiting the region, as even brief exposure can lead to adverse health effects.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Gulf, Papua New Guinea, reveals a remarkable stability throughout the year, with most months offering approximately 12 hours of daylight. Both January and February maintain this consistent day length, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and engagement with the vibrant ecosystems characteristic of the region. As the year progresses into April, May, and the subsequent months leading up to August, daylight slightly decreases to 11 hours, illustrating a minor seasonal fluctuation that does not drastically alter the daily rhythms of life in Gulf.
The year concludes with a return to 12 hours of daylight in September, continuing through October, November, and December. This cyclical return to longer daylight durations coincides with Papua New Guinea's tropical climate, allowing for a relatively uninterrupted daylight experience across the seasons. The balance of daylight duration throughout the year contributes to the region’s ecological patterns and cultural practices, ensuring that both residents and wildlife can thrive in a largely predictable solar environment.
Ihu, Papua New Guinea, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) in September to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in January and December. The wettest months are April and June, receiving over 390 mm (15.4 in) of precipitation, while October has the least rainfall at 199 mm (7.8 in). Ihu enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in October with 277 hours, and maintains consistent light levels across the months. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Ihu climate.
Kerema, Papua New Guinea, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in the cooler months to a peak of 31°C (88°F) in January and February. Precipitation is abundant, notably peaking in April with 349 mm (13.7 in), while dry spells occur in October and December with around 225 mm (8.8 in) and 178 mm (7.0 in) respectively. The region enjoys plentiful sunshine, particularly in October, which sees up to 277 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Kerema climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Gulf, Papua New Guinea, characterized by ample rainfall, consistent temperatures, and stable daylight durations, establishes a unique environment conducive to biodiversity and ecological richness. The extreme UV Index throughout the year emphasizes the importance of sun safety, while the consistent daylight length supports a variety of outdoor activities and agriculture. Understanding these climatic factors is essential not only for local communities but also for visitors who seek to appreciate the region's natural beauty. As climate patterns continue to evolve globally, monitoring and preserving the integrity of Gulf’s ecosystems will remain vital for sustaining its diverse and vibrant habitats.