UV Index in Arawa, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Arawa, Papua New Guinea, where the sun can be particularly intense due to its tropical climate. With UV levels reaching a maximum of 13 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding long-term skin health. The unique weather patterns and often prolonged sun exposure in Arawa call for proactive measures, making it vital to monitor the UV Index regularly. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun's harmful effects while enjoying the beautiful outdoors of this vibrant region!

Hourly UV Index in Arawa

The UV Index data reveals an intriguing snapshot of solar intensity throughout the day. Starting off relatively mild at 1 at 7:00 AM, it steadily climbs, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun truly peaks around 12:00 PM, where the UV Index skyrockets to a scorching 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This intense solar radiation lingers until 1:00 PM, maintaining the same level before tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decrease, dropping to 4 by 4:00 PM and finally settling back at 1 by 7:00 PM. With these fluctuations, it’s essential to stay protected during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	7	high	25 min
11:00	11	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Arawa

Throughout the year, the UV Index consistently remains at extreme levels, with the highest readings occurring from January to April (peaking at 17 in March). While the index slightly decreases in the summer months of June and July (to 11), it still indicates a significant risk for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes across all months. Notably, February and March are high-risk months, where exposure can lead to severe sunburns very quickly. Therefore, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take serious precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, regardless of the month.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Arawa, Papua New Guinea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Arawa. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Arawa, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Arawa UV Index with Other Papua New Guinea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Arawa compares to other major locations across Papua New Guinea. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Arawa's solar exposure compared to other cities in Papua New Guinea. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Port Moresby UVI	15	16	16	15	12	10	11	13	15	15	14	15
Arawa	15	16	17	16	13	11	11	13	15	15	15	14
Popondetta UVI	16	16	16	15	13	11	12	14	15	16	15	15
Lae UVI	15	17	17	16	13	11	12	14	15	15	15	14
Mount Hagen UVI	16	17	18	17	14	12	13	14	16	16	15	16