Numfor
Island Tropical New Guinea island with WWII historical sites
Part of Indonesia’s Papua islands near Biak, Numfor attracts divers to coral reefs and WWII wreck sites; beaches and remote villages make it a stop for underwater exploration and wartime history.
Numfor (also written Noemfoor) is an island in Cenderawasih Bay off the northern coast of Papua province, Indonesia, and is part of the Schouten Islands. The island saw significant activity during the Second World War and contains wartime remains.
The island includes coastal villages and areas of tropical forest; wartime airfield remains and related infrastructure are among the island’s notable features. Local life today is based on fishing, small-scale agriculture and community services.
During the Second World War the island was the focus of Allied operations to secure airfields and maritime control in the region; those events left visible traces in the island landscape. Postwar, the island returned to civilian administration and local livelihoods.
Numfor lies northeast of the main island of New Guinea in Indonesia’s Papua province, within the Schouten Islands chain near Biak. It is accessed by sea from larger regional ports and forms part of the local island district administration.
- WWII history: The island was the scene of Allied military operations in 1944 and retains remnants of wartime airfields and installations.
- Location and access: Part of the Schouten Islands near Biak, it is administered within Papua province and accessed by sea from larger regional centres.
How to Get to Numfor #
Typical access is via Biak (Biak-Numfor), with boats and occasional small charter flights. From Biak, arrange transport through local operators or the port authority; crossings can take several hours and depend on sea conditions.
Tips for Visiting Numfor #
- Arrange transport via Biak - sea crossings can be long and weather-dependent; charter a fishing boat for flexibility.
- Bring insect repellent and lightweight rain gear; equatorial storms can arrive quickly.
- Respect local communities and ask permission before photographing villages.
Best Time to Visit Numfor #
Best during the dry season (May-October) for sea travel and outdoor activities; weather in Papua is equatorial and humid year-round.
Weather & Climate near Numfor #
Numfor's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2773 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (278 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (273 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (318 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (290 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (219 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (190 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (163 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (288 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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