May Weather in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: August 31, 2025

May weather in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is characterized by warm temperatures and notable humidity. With a daily maximum reaching around 31°C (89°F) and an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), the month remains comfortably warm, tempered by a minimum of 22°C (72°F) at night. However, travelers should prepare for a humid atmosphere, averaging 88%, and expect significant rainfall, with a total precipitation of 95 mm (3.8 in) spread over 13 days. This blend of warmth and moisture creates a lush environment, perfect for experiencing the rich natural beauty and vibrant culture of the region.

May Temperature in Port Moresby

In May, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, experiences a pleasant transition as temperatures remain comfortably warm. The minimum temperature hovers around a mild 22°C (72°F), while the average temperature settles at 26°C (80°F), maintaining the nice warmth typical of earlier months. With a maximum of 31°C (89°F), the weather is inviting for outdoor activities, echoing the patterns established in the previous months. As the dry season approaches, the consistent warmth offers a glimpse of the cooler months ahead in June, making May an ideal time to explore the city’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Overall, May showcases a delightful blend of warmth and comfort, perfect for experiencing all that Port Moresby has to offer.

May Weather in Port Moresby: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates May temperature patterns in Port Moresby, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Port Moresby, May typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec818180808078777778798081
Data source: Temperature data for Port Moresby generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

May Precipitation in Port Moresby

In May, Port Moresby experiences a notable decline in precipitation, with only 95 mm (3.8 in) recorded across just 13 days of rain. This marks a significant reduction compared to the month's heavier rainfall in previous months, such as March, which saw 307 mm (12.1 in) over 28 days. As the city transitions into the dry season, May serves as a pivotal point when the rain becomes less frequent and less intense, contrasting sharply with the earlier months' deluge. This shift not only offers a respite for residents but also signals the start of a more stable period, characterized by lighter showers and a gradual drying of the landscape.

May Precipitation Trends in Port Moresby

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Port Moresby, with values for each month alongside May’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how May’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Port Moresby, May typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2762003072159563455881119130169
Data source: Precipitation data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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May Humidity in Port Moresby

In May, Port Moresby experiences a peak in humidity, reaching 88%. This marks a noticeable trend as the months lead into the dry season; humidity consistently rises from April's 86% and stays elevated through June. With the warmer months preceding May showcasing a gradual increase, it becomes clear that the tropics maintain a lush and vibrant atmosphere during this time. As the year progresses towards the drier months of September and October, humidity begins to lower, reflecting the fluctuating climate typical of the region. The elevated levels in May not only contribute to the city’s rich biodiversity but also create a sultry ambiance that defines this coastal urban paradise.

May Average Humidity in Port Moresby

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Port Moresby, with May’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In May, average humidity in Port Moresby is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec83%84%84%86%88%88%87%85%80%81%81%83%
Data source: Humidity data for May generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

May UV Index in Port Moresby

In May, Port Moresby continues to experience the full force of the sun with a UV Index of 12 classified as extreme, similar to the trend seen earlier in the year. While slightly lower than the peak readings of 16 recorded in February and March, the burn time remains critical at just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This trend highlights the importance of sun protection, as the city consistently faces elevated UV levels throughout the first half of the year. As May rolls in, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant and prioritize their skin safety. For more insights on UV intensity throughout the year, check out the detailed information at Port Moresby UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Port Moresby for May

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Port Moresby in May, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In May, the maximum UV index in Port Moresby typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec151616151210111315151415
Data source: Port Moresby May UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

May Sunshine in Port Moresby

May in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, is a delightful tapestry of radiant sunshine, boasting an impressive 286 hours of daylight. As the year progresses, the sun's presence becomes increasingly vibrant; after consistently bright months from January to April, May marks a significant peak in sunshine hours. This upward trend sets the stage for the winter months ahead, with June and July also enjoying abundant sunshine, averaging 271 and 284 hours, respectively. Notably, as we transition into the second half of the year, the sunshine remains generous, crafting a warm and inviting atmosphere that characterizes Port Moresby’s tropical climate. This delightful excess of sunlight is perfect for outdoor adventures and serene beach days, showcasing the city's natural beauty during one of its sunniest months.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Port Moresby: May Highlighted

The May sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Port Moresby experiences direct sunlight during the month of May, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of May with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec212h251h246h248h286h271h284h289h279h288h291h297h
Data source: Port Moresby May Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Port Moresby During May

In Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the month of May marks a significant shift in sunny weather, boasting a 32% chance of sunshine—a notable increase from the preceding months. Following a gradual ascent from just 7% in January to 12% in April, May stands out as the first month to herald a more promising forecast. This trend of increased brightness continues into June and July, peaking at 35%. As the year progresses, the likelihood of sun begins to fluctuate, with the greatest potential occurring in late spring and early summer; however, May remains a highlight when the oppressive dampness of the earlier months gives way to longer, sunnier days.

Percentage of Sunny Days in May in Port Moresby

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Port Moresby throughout the year, with May highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Port Moresby experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec7%5%10%12%32%34%35%27%23%32%43%9%
Data source: Port Moresby May chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Port Moresby in May

In Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the duration of daylight reveals a fascinating seasonal pattern. From January to March, the city basks in a consistent 12 hours of daylight, creating a sense of timeless summer. However, as April arrives, daylight begins to wane slightly, dropping to 11 hours, a trend that continues through the mid-year months of May, June, July, and August. This period of reduced daylight offers a mellow respite before conditions shift again. Come September, the sun seems to reclaim its previous vigor, extending daylight back to 12 hours, a trend that continues through the end of the year. Thus, Port Moresby experiences a rhythmic dance of daylight, oscillating between these durations in a beautifully predictable cycle.

Average Daylight Hours in Port Moresby for May

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Port Moresby throughout the year, with May highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec12h 35m12h 23m12h 7m11h 52m11h 40m11h 33m11h 36m11h 47m12h 2m12h 17m12h 32m12h 39m
Data source: Port Moresby daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

May Winds in Port Moresby

In May, Port Moresby experiences a noticeable increase in windspeed, reaching an average of 4.1 m/s (9 mph), marking a shift from the gentler breezes of earlier months. This uptick in wind is a refreshing change as the temperatures rise, offering a light yet invigorating atmosphere that enhances outdoor activities. Following May, the winds remain steady, peaking in September at 5.0 m/s (11 mph), suggesting a trend towards slightly stronger winds in the later months of the year. Overall, May stands out as a transitional period, where locals can enjoy the blend of mild warmth and a touch of briskness in the air, setting the stage for the more dynamic conditions of the upcoming months.

Average May Wind Speed in Port Moresby

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Port Moresby, with values for each month shown alongside May's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how May's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.62.92.52.34.1 m/s3.63.54.25.02.52.22.2
Data source: Port Moresby May wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How May Weather in Port Moresby Compares to Other Months

Weather in Port Moresby varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Port Moresby, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

May and January exhibit distinct weather patterns in terms of temperature, precipitation, and humidity. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 95 mm (3.8 in) over about 13 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, January is slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (74°F) to 33°C (91°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). However, it is significantly wetter, receiving 276 mm (10.9 in) of precipitation over 22 days, while humidity sits at a slightly lower 83%. For more detailed information, check out the Port Moresby weather in January.

When comparing the weather in May and February, one can observe distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. May generally experiences milder temperatures, with an average of 26°C (80°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), while February tends to be warmer, recording an average of 27°C (81°F) and highs reaching 33°C (91°F). However, February also brings significantly more rainfall, with 200 mm (7.9 in) of precipitation over 21 days, compared to May's 95 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days. Humidity is slightly higher in May at 88%, while February's humidity levels sit at 84%. For more detailed weather insights, you can check Port Moresby weather in February.

When comparing the weather in May and March, it’s clear that both months experience warm temperatures, but they differ significantly in precipitation levels. In May, the average temperature ranges from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with a total of 95 mm (3.8 in) of rain spread over 13 days. In contrast, March is slightly warmer on average, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), but it sees much heavier rainfall, totaling 307 mm (12.1 in) over 28 days. Additionally, May has a higher humidity level at 88%, compared to March’s 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit Port Moresby weather in March.

In comparing the weather of May and April, we find that both months share similar temperature ranges, with minimums of 22°C (72°F), averages of 26°C (80°F), and maximums reaching 31°C (89°F) in May and 31°C (88°F) in April. However, May experiences significantly less precipitation, registering 95 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days compared to April's 215 mm (8.5 in) across 24 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 88%, compared to 86% in April. For a deeper look into the April climate, you can check Port Moresby weather in April.

In May, temperatures in Port Moresby range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 95 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, while humidity remains high at 88%. In contrast, June's weather shows a slight dip in temperatures, with minimums at 21°C (70°F) and maximums at 30°C (87°F), while maintaining the same average of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is reduced to 63 mm (2.5 in) over just 9 days, keeping humidity constant at 88%. Overall, June offers a bit less rain while still providing warm and humid conditions. For more details, you can check Port Moresby weather in June.

In comparing the weather between May and July, we see some notable differences. May typically experiences warmer temperatures with an average of 26°C (80°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F), while July's average drops slightly to 25°C (78°F) with a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Additionally, May is much wetter, receiving 95 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, whereas July sees significantly less rainfall at 45 mm (1.8 in) over just 8 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, with May at 88% and July slightly lower at 87%. For a more detailed look at July's weather, you can visit Port Moresby weather in July.

May and August offer distinctly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). This month is characterized by higher precipitation, recording about 95 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 13 days, along with elevated humidity levels of 88%. In contrast, August sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a range from 21°C (69°F) to 30°C (86°F) and an average temperature of 25°C (78°F). Precipitation decreases significantly to 58 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days, and humidity is slightly lower at 85%. For more detailed insights, you can refer to Port Moresby weather in August.

May and September both showcase warm temperatures, but May tends to be hotter and more humid. In May, the minimum temperature hovers around 22°C (72°F) with an average of 26°C (80°F) and a maximum of 31°C (89°F). In contrast, September features slightly cooler weather, with minimum temperatures around 19°C (66°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Rainfall is higher in May, with precipitation reaching 95 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days compared to September's 81 mm (3.2 in) over 11 days. The humidity also drops in September to 80%, providing a somewhat fresher feel. For further details, you can check Port Moresby weather in September.

In May, temperatures in Port Moresby typically range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 31°C (89°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F). The month experiences considerable rainfall, with 95 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over about 13 days and a humidity level of 88%. In contrast, October maintains a similar average temperature of 26°C (79°F) but has slightly lower minimum and maximum temperatures at 21°C (70°F) and 31°C (88°F), respectively. However, October is marked by increased rainfall, with 119 mm (4.7 in) of precipitation over 17 days and a reduced humidity of 81%. For more detailed insights, you can check the Port Moresby weather in October.

In comparing the weather between May and November, both months exhibit warm temperatures, but November tends to be slightly warmer, with average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) compared to May's max of 31°C (89°F). May experiences a higher humidity level of 88%, while November, despite being warm, has a more comfortable humidity at 81%. Precipitation is also more prevalent in November, accumulating to 130 mm (5.1 in) over 17 days, in contrast to May's 95 mm (3.8 in) spread across 13 days. For more details, you can check the Port Moresby weather in November.

In comparison to May, December in Port Moresby experiences slightly higher temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 33°C (93°F) compared to May's maximum of 31°C (89°F). December also sees a minimal increase in the minimum temperature, starting at 23°C (73°F) versus May's 22°C (72°F). However, December is markedly wetter, with precipitation totaling 169 mm (6.7 in) over 22 days, compared to May's 95 mm (3.8 in) across 13 days. Humidity levels remain relatively high in both months, but December is slightly less humid at 83% compared to May's 88%. For more detailed information, check out the Port Moresby weather in December.

Compare Port Moresby's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From May Weather in Port Moresby

May in Port Moresby typically brings a noticeable shift in weather patterns compared to other months. As the temperature hovers around a comfortable average of 26°C (80°F), the city experiences increased humidity levels, often reaching up to 88%. This combination, along with about 95 mm of precipitation over roughly 13 days, marks May as one of the wetter months, laying the groundwork for vibrant greenery. The warmth and humidity can feel a bit more intense, inviting visitors to embrace both the city's natural beauty and its lively culture. For more details on the climate throughout the year, check out Port Moresby Climate.