Fergusson Island

Island Large Milne Bay island in Papua New Guinea

Fergusson Island in Milne Bay has volcanic highlands, WWII relics and coastal villages; travelers come for diving, snorkeling and visits to remote island communities.

Main image
Main image

Fergusson Island is one of the D’Entrecasteaux Islands in eastern Papua New Guinea, within Milne Bay Province. The island is volcanic in origin and features rugged interior highlands, rainforest and coastal villages.

Local populations live in dispersed villages and rely principally on subsistence agriculture, fishing and small-scale local trade. The island’s terrain includes volcanic peaks and forested slopes, with coastal areas used for settlement and access to the sea.

The island has been inhabited for millennia by Papuan communities and was involved in regional events during the 20th century, including World War II-era activity in the wider area. Fergusson Island is reached by regional boat services from other islands and the mainland.

  • Island group: Part of the D'Entrecasteaux Islands group in Milne Bay Province and administered within Papua New Guinea.
  • Volcanic island and communities: Volcanic in origin with interior highlands and established local communities that maintain traditional lifestyles.

What to See #

  • Volcanic highlands: Volcanic highland areas and peaks that form the island's interior, with rugged terrain and rainforest cover in parts of the island.
  • Coastal villages: Coastal villages and small settlements where local communities practise subsistence agriculture, fishing and traditional crafts.
Fergusson Island
Fergusson Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
-9.5171, 150.6747

How to Get to Fergusson Island #

Fergusson Island is reached by inter-island vessels or small aircraft from Alotau and other Milne Bay hubs. Local airstrips may support charter flights; ferries are irregular and subject to weather. Plan travel with a local operator experienced in Papua New Guinea’s island logistics.

Tips for Visiting Fergusson Island #

  • If arranging transport, coordinate with local authorities-Fergusson Island has airstrips but limited scheduled services.
  • Respect local customs and land claims; many island communities have distinct cultural protocols.
  • Bring supplies if staying for any length-goods can be scarce and shipping irregular.

Best Time to Visit Fergusson Island #

Visit during the dry season for safer sea conditions and more reliable transport between islands.

Dry season
May-October · 24-30°C
Calmer seas and easier inter-island travel.
Wet season
November-April · 24-30°C
Heavy rains and potential cyclone activity; travel can be unreliable.

Weather & Climate near Fergusson Island #

Climate

Fergusson Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2913 mm/year), wettest in April.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
21°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (254 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°

Weather

254 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (235 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°

Weather

235 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (250 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°

Weather

250 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (320 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

320 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (309 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

309 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (237 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

237 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 28°

Weather

214 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (266 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 28°

Weather

266 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (213 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

213 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (218 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 29°

Weather

218 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (183 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°

Weather

183 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
22° 31°

Weather

214 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

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