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NASA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Duke of York Island

Island

A low-lying island in the Duke of York group, East New Britain Province. Visitors come for fringing coral reefs, traditional village life among coconut plantations, and inter-island boat trips for snorkeling and local culture.

Duke of York Island Port MoresbyMount HagenKokoda TrackRabaulDuke of York Island
In this guide

Duke of York Island essentials

Country: Papua New Guinea
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Kina (K)
Language: English
Emergency: 000

Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea at a Glance

About Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

Duke of York Island is one of the islands in the Duke of York Islands group in East New Britain Province of Papua New Guinea. It lies in the strait between the larger islands of New Britain and New Ireland.

The island is part of an island group known for coastal villages, subsistence fishing and coral-fringed shores. Typical local attractions are village communities, beach landing sites and nearshore reef environments rather than developed tourist infrastructure.

The Duke of York Islands have been inhabited for centuries by local Melanesian communities and were recorded by European navigators during colonial-era exploration of the Bismarck Archipelago. Administratively the island is part of East New Britain Province.

The island sits between the main islands of New Britain and New Ireland in the Bismarck Archipelago region of Papua New Guinea and is reached by boat from towns on New Britain.

  • Access: Regular short boat trips connect the islands with larger towns on New Britain, making travel by small boat the usual way to reach the island.
Things to Do

Nearby Attractions to Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

Duke of York Islands
Duke of York Islands
Papua New Guinea island group in Bismarck Sea
Islands 4.7 km
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

Visit during the drier months (May-Oct) for easier boat transfers and more reliable conditions.

Dry season
May-October · 24-30°C
More predictable weather and calmer seas for boat travel.
Wet season
November-April · 24-31°C
Heavier rains and rougher seas; travel can be interrupted by storms.

Weather & Climate near Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

Climate

Duke of York Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2323 mm/year), wettest in March.

Air Quality: AQI 34 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 23° - 30° 27° 229 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
February - 24° - 30° 27° 213 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
March - 24° - 30° 27° 256 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
April - 23° - 30° 27° 220 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
May - 24° - 30° 27° 160 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
June - 24° - 30° 27° 172 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
July - 23° - 29° 26° 182 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
August - 23° - 29° 26° 165 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
September - 23° - 30° 27° 144 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
October - 24° - 30° 27° 155 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
November - 24° - 30° 27° 171 mm - - 1.9 m/s - -
December - 24° - 30° 27° 256 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

Reached by local boat from Rabaul or Kokopo on East New Britain; transfers are typically scheduled through local operators and depend on sea and weather conditions.

Tips for Visiting Duke of York Island, Papua New Guinea

  • Coordinate with local boat operators from New Britain for reliable transfers to the island.
  • Respect local communities and any customary land rules-Duke of York Islands have small, resident populations with traditional practices.
  • Bring mosquito protection and sunshade-tropical conditions prevail and amenities can be limited.