Kokoda Track in January

April through October is your window, with May to August being the sweet spot. The 'dry' season is relative here – you'll still get rain, but it's manageable afternoon showers rather than the torrential downpours that make the track impassable from November to March. July and August see the most trekkers, so book early if you want those months. April and September offer a good compromise – fewer crowds and still decent weather. The track officially closes during wet season because river crossings become dangerous and the mud turns into knee-deep soup that'll trap you. Even in dry season, expect humidity levels that'll have you sweating through everything. Early morning starts are standard to avoid the worst of the afternoon heat and storms.