Lihir Group

Islands Volcanic island group in New Ireland Province, mining activity

The Lihir group in New Ireland Province comprises volcanic islands; visitors note diving on coral reefs, local village life and the large open‑pit gold operations on Lihir Island.

Main image

The Lihir Group is a cluster of volcanic islands in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. The islands are part of the Bismarck Archipelago and are administered within New Ireland Province.

The archipelago is notable for its volcanic geology and for hosting significant mineral resources. The largest island in the group contains a major gold-mining operation, which has driven much modern development and external interest in the islands.

The islands are populated by local communities with settlements clustered around coastal areas and plantations; sea transport and irregular air links provide the main external connections.

Geographically the Lihir Group lies off the northeast coast of the New Ireland main island, within Papua New Guinea’s island chains in the western Pacific.

  • Volcanic islands: The islands are volcanic in origin and include lagoons, reef sections, and plantation areas used by local communities.

What to See #

  • Main island and mine: The largest island in the group hosts a major gold-mining operation and associated infrastructure that dominates the local economy and landscape.
Lihir Group
-3.0300, 152.6780

How to Get to Lihir Group #

Access to the Lihir Group is usually via Kavieng or by air to Lihir (Niolam) Airport from Port Moresby or other regional hubs. Shipping and charter flights are subject to schedule changes; coordinate travel with regional operators or provincial authorities.

Tips for Visiting Lihir Group #

  • Inter-island transport in the Bismarck Sea is limited-book freight or scheduled passenger services through New Ireland Province authorities in advance.
  • Respect customary land and sea boundaries when visiting island communities; many islands are privately or communally owned.
  • Bring insect protection and water purification - services can be sparse on smaller islands.

Best Time to Visit Lihir Group #

The Lihir Group is a cluster of volcanic islands in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, known for gold mining activity and traditional island communities.

Dry season
May-October · 24-30°C
Better sea conditions for travel between islands and clearer weather for exploration.
Wet season
November-April · 24-31°C
Higher rainfall, heavier seas and occasional cyclones - not ideal for small-boat travel.
Shoulder months
April, November · 24-30°C
Variable conditions; monitor local forecasts and vessel schedules.

Weather & Climate near Lihir Group #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (3572 mm/year), wettest in August, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (279 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

279 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (307 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

307 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (319 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

319 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (311 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

311 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (320 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

320 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (291 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

291 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (307 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°

Weather

307 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (338 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

338 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (263 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

263 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Heavy rain (283 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°

Weather

283 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (270 mm).

Comfort

28°
Feels Like Warm
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

270 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 25°C. Heavy rain (284 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°

Weather

284 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

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