UV Index in Panguna, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Panguna, Papua New Guinea, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in a tropical climate where sun exposure can be intense. With peak UV index readings soaring as high as 11 during midday, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant about sun safety practices. This awareness not only helps in making informed decisions about outdoor activities but also in maintaining healthy skin throughout the year.

Hourly UV Index in Panguna

As the sun rises and warms the day, the UV Index begins at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, making it safe to venture outdoors without much protection. By 09:00, it jumps to a moderate 3, hinting at the increasing intensity. The real peak arrives between 11:00 and 13:00, where the index soars to an impressive 11, signifying a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon rolls on, the index gradually dips, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and then descending through the late afternoon to 2 by 17:00. The sun sets the scene for a safe evening as the index returns to 1 at 18:00, finally resting at 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV radiation highlights the importance of sun safety during those peak hours!

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	6	high	25 min
11:00	9	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 min
16:00	4	moderate	30 min
17:00	2	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Panguna

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 Panguna, Papua New Guinea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Panguna. 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 Panguna, 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 Panguna UV Index with Other Papua New Guinea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Panguna 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.

Panguna'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
Panguna	15	16	17	16	13	11	11	13	15	15	15	14
Arawa UVI	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