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

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Ready to pack for Rabaul, Papua New Guinea? If you're planning to go to Rabaul, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

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

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

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Rabaul is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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 Rabaul. 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Rabaul during February, you will probably find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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 repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rabaul. 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 little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like 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. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you vacation in Rabaul during March, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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 Rabaul. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you vacation in Rabaul during April, you are likely to find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Take care to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Rabaul in June, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s 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 Rabaul. 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 frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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 neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Make sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you are traveling to Rabaul in July, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s 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 Rabaul. 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 things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to pick the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Rabaul can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rabaul. 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 luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you choose the right type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Rabaul is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s 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 Rabaul. 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 stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Be sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold 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 sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Rabaul is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rabaul. 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 airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the correct type. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you visit Rabaul during November, you will probably see that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 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 Rabaul. 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 airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. It's important that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in this region is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Rabaul. 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 help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types I. Ensure that you get the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the New Guinea Club Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Located on the eastern tip of New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea, Rabaul is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. From the popular War Museum to the beautiful hot springs, Rabaul is an exciting and intriguing destination that offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Rabaul that you must visit:

1. Rabaul War Museum

The Rabaul War Museum is located near the city center and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rabaul. It was established in 1958 to commemorate the events of World War II that happened in and around Rabaul. The museum contains photographs, artifacts, and other historical items that document the devastating impact of the war on the people of Rabaul.

2. The Volcanoes

Rabaul is also known for its beautiful volcanoes, which were once active, but now offer tourists the opportunity to enjoy scenic hikes and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Some of the most popular volcanoes in Rabaul include Tavurvur, Vulcan, and Turangunan.

3. The Hot Springs

The hot springs in Rabaul are a natural wonder and are popular attractions among tourists who are seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The hot springs are located near the town’s center and are believed to have curative properties that can cure skin conditions, joint pains, and other ailments.

4. Kokopo War and Cultural Museum

The Kokopo War and Cultural Museum is another popular tourist attraction in Rabaul. It was established in 2008 to preserve and showcase the history and culture of the people of East New Britain. The museum features traditional carvings, paintings, and other artifacts that document the cultural heritage of the region.

5. The Beehive Houses

The Beehive Houses are unique traditional houses that were built by the Tolai people of Rabaul. They are made of stone and have thatched roofs. The houses are designed to be cool and comfortable in the tropical climate of Papua New Guinea. The Beehive Houses are one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Rabaul.

6. The Catamaran Island Snorkeling Tour

For those who love water activities, the Catamaran Island Snorkeling Tour is a must-do. This tour will take you to pristine beaches and coral reefs where you can enjoy snorkeling and other water activities. You will get the chance to see the colorful and exotic marine life of Rabaul's waters.

In conclusion, Rabaul is an extraordinary destination that showcases a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and history. Whether you are a history buff or adventure seeker, there is something for everyone in Rabaul. With these top tourist attractions, you are guaranteed to have an incredible experience during your visit to Rabaul.

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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