The climate of Lae
Lae,
Papua New Guinea, chiefly features an Af or a Tropical Rainforest climate, as per the renowned Köppen climate classification. Its geographical position in the tropics contributes significantly to this climate typology. Regardless of the month, Lae experiences humid and very warm conditions, showcasing negligible temperature fluctuation throughout the year.
The highest average temperatures in Lae range between 24°C (75.2°F) and 27.9°C (82.2°F), while the lowest averages fall in the range of 18.4°C (65.1°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). Rainfall shows little variation with monthly averages from 101mm (3.98") to 181mm (7.13"), attesting to the perpetual rainforest climate. Alongside, tropical conditions are echoed in the high relative humidity from 73% to 83%.
Noteworthy is the stable sea surface temperature, fluctuating insignificantly from 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F) over the year, a signature feature of tropical climates. Wind speeds vary marginally between 4.8km/h (3mph) and 6.4km/h (4mph), while the gusts tend to be slightly more pronounced, peaking around 8.6km/h (5.3mph).
Among the unique weather patterns, the month of
July stands out with the highest accumulated rainfall of 181mm (7.13"), maintaining this tropical climate’s notorious repute for consistent, heavy rainfall. The daylight hours, with invariably minor changes from 11.7hrs to 12.5hrs, impart Lae a perpetually sunny demeanor.
The best time to visit Lae
Potential visitors might find
November and
December to be the most favourable times to explore
Lae. These months boast notably high sunshine hours, averaging 11hrs per day, coupled with relatively lower monthly rainfall amounts of 118mm (4.65") and 101mm (3.98") respectively. It merits attention that the high temperatures during these months still hold comfortably between 26.5°C (79.7°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F).
The worst time to visit Lae
Although
Lae preserves its tropical invincibility with little fluctuation in weather conditions throughout the year, the months of
June and
July might prove slightly cumbersome for visitors. These months mark the monsoon onset with the rainfall intensifying to 176mm (6.93") and 181mm (7.13") respectively, signifying considerable wet conditions.
Spring weather in Lae
The spring in
Lae, while excluding a distinct transition typical of temperate zones, still exhibits marginally lower average high temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F) and correspondingly lower monthly average rainfall, between 176mm (6.93") and 104mm (4.09"). Concurrently, the duration of daylight remains largely stable, circulating from 11.8hrs to 12.1hrs.
Summer weather in Lae
The summer months of
Lae see average high temperatures from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall during this period hovers around 143mm (5.63") to 133mm (5.24"), with slight oscillations in the monthly average. Despite being summer, the daylight duration stays predictable between 12.3hrs to 12.4hrs, a distinctive trait of the Tropical Rainforest climate.
Autumn weather in Lae
Autumn in
Lae is demarcated by high average temperatures from 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) and rainfall measures ranging from 118mm (4.65") to 106mm (4.17"). Daylight durations in the autumn months trace from 12.4hrs to 12.3hrs, displaying minimum change and corroborating the year-long tropical sun-soaked reality.
Winter weather in Lae
Finally,
Lae’s winter months feature high temperatures varying narrowly, from 27.9°C (82.2°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F), and perceivably increased rainfall with monthly averages between 105mm (4.13") and 108mm (4.25"). Daylight duration in winter mildly declines, flowing from 12.1hrs to 12hrs, barely hinting at the minimal withdrawal of the tropical sun.
Weather in January
Weather in February
February continues the trend of warm weather and frequent rain showers in
Lae. Compared to
January, February sees a slightly higher average temperature of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and marginally lower humidity. Rainfall usually decreases slightly but remains significant, providing a relief to the hot days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Lae marks the transition from the hotter months to slightly cooler times. The average daytime temperature of 27.4°C (81.3°F) is slightly lower than
February's peak temperature. Despite the slight temperature decrease, rainfall tends to increase with an average total of 108mm (4.25") through the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees cooler days in
Lae with the temperature dropping further from
March’s averages. Coupled with the drop in temperature, rainfall amounts peak during the year at 113mm (4.45"). Despite the peak rainfall, daylight hours see a slight decrease, falling to an average of 12 hours a day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Lae experiences its first significant drop in temperature, counting a daytime high average of 25.8°C (78.4°F). However, temperature drop coincides with a peak in humidity, reaching an annual high of 80%. Rainfall lessens from the peak in
April but remains noteworthy, with showers spreading over 23 days on average.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Lae is characterized by mildly cooler temperatures and high rainfall. The average daily temperature decreases further from
May’s averages to 24.9°C (76.8°F). Rainfall exceeds 130mm (5.12") on average, spread across as many as 23 days of the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Lae brings further cooler days with the average high temperature dropping to 24°C (75.2°F), the lowest during the year. Alongside cooler days, July also witnesses substantial rainfall of 176mm (6.93"), which is usually concentrated over 23 rainy days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
By
August,
Lae undergoes a slight respite from lowering temperatures, as the daily high temperature increases marginally to 24.2°C (75.6°F). While rainfall dips slightly from its peak in
July, Lae still receives a significant amount of 181mm (7.13") on average.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Lae witnesses a further increase in daytime temperature averaging 24.1°C (75.4°F). Rainfall decreases considerably to an average 143mm (5.63"), signaling the end of the rainiest part of the year. Daylight hours see an increase, averaging 12.1 hours per day.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings warmer conditions to
Lae as temperatures start to climb, with a monthly average high of 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall continues to lessen in comparison to
September, tallying an average of 133mm (5.24"). Sunshine hours reach up to 11 hours per day on average, the highest in the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a distinct transition month for
Lae as it moves into its warmer season. The average high temperature experiences an increase to 26.5°C (79.7°F). Rainfall sees an additional dip, stabilizing around 118mm (4.65") on average.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rings in the warm festival season in
Lae with a further increase in the average high temperature to 27.3°C (81.1°F). The rainfall decreases once more to 101mm (3.98") average, marking the driest month of the year. Daylight hours increase to an average of 12.5 hours per day.
Weather in December »