Goroka, Papua New Guinea: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Goroka, Papua New Guinea? If you're planning to go to Goroka, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Goroka, Papua New Guinea

Based on the climate and weather in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Goroka, Papua New Guinea

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Goroka, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Goroka, Papua New Guinea by month

January

If you go to Goroka in January, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit Goroka during February, you might see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Goroka during March, you will probably see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you are traveling to Goroka in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you vacation in Goroka during June, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you vacation in Goroka during July, you might notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you are traveling to Goroka in September, you will notice that it is warm. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you vacation in Goroka during October, you are likely to see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be careful to find the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you visit Goroka during November, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Papua New Guinea has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Goroka. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you visit the J.K. McCarthy Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Goroka, Papua New Guinea

Goroka, located in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, is a vibrant and diverse city known for its unique culture and breathtaking natural beauty. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant community, Goroka is an ideal destination for travel enthusiasts seeking a truly authentic experience. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

1. Goroka Show: The Goroka Show is an annual cultural festival that takes place during the third weekend of September. During this colorful celebration, tribes from all over the region come together to showcase their unique culture and traditions. The festival features traditional dances, music, crafts, and displays of elaborate feathered headdresses, which have become one of the most iconic symbols of Papua New Guinea.

2. Asaro Mudmen: The Asaro Mudmen are a distinctive tribe of people who are known for their unique tradition of covering themselves in mud and wearing makeshift masks fashioned from clay. The Mudmen have been popularized in Western culture, and visitors can learn about their traditions by visiting the Asaro Village, located just outside of Goroka.

3. Mount Wilhelm: Mount Wilhelm is the highest peak in Papua New Guinea, standing at 14,793 feet tall. Hiking to the summit of this majestic mountain is a thrilling experience that allows visitors to see some of the most stunning views in Papua New Guinea. The trek is challenging, but the breathtaking scenery and sense of accomplishment make it well worth the effort.

4. National Museum and Art Gallery: The National Museum and Art Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Papua New Guinea's history and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork, and photographs that provide a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

5. Raun Raun Theatre: The Raun Raun Theatre is a multi-purpose cultural center that hosts a variety of events, including traditional dance performances, plays, concerts, and film screenings. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences at the theatre, including performances by local musicians and dancers.

6. J.K. McCarthy Museum: J.K. McCarthy Museum is a fascinating museum that displays a vast collection of tribal art and artifacts from throughout the region. The museum offers insight into the culture and history of the various tribes of Papua New Guinea, providing a unique perspective on the country's rich cultural diversity.

In conclusion, Goroka is a fascinating destination full of rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Visitors to the region can experience the vibrant culture of the Asaro Mudmen, witness the colorful spectacle of the Goroka Show, hike to the summit of Mount Wilhelm, and explore the country's history at the National Museum and Art Gallery and J.K. McCarthy Museum. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, Goroka offers something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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