Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Kwikila, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical Af climate brings intense sunlight and varying UV levels throughout the day. By monitoring these levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn, protect your skin, and promote long-term skin health. With UV Index values peaking at 10 around noon and sunshine exposure being a significant risk, it's essential to stay informed about local UV conditions to enjoy the sun safely and sensibly. Remember, a little awareness can go a long way in safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation!
The UV Index throughout the day presents a compelling narrative of sun exposure, peaking at a staggering 10 at 12:00 PM, indicating a need for caution. As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs from 1 at 7:00 AM to a notable 4 by 9:00 AM. The ascent continues, reaching 9 by 11:00 AM, before hitting its maximum at noon. However, as the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, with readings dropping to 7 by 2:00 PM and eventually falling to 1 by 5:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the Index dips to 0 after 6:00 PM, promising safe evening conditions. Engaging with the sun requires awareness; ensure you're protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data indicates that UV levels remain consistently high throughout the year, with extreme ratings from January to April and again from July to September. Notably, January, February, and March consistently feature an index of 16, signifying extreme exposure with a burn time of only 10 minutes. April shows only a slight drop to 15, while May decreases to 12. Despite this, June begins a transition to very high levels at 10 with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. The subsequent months of July through September revert back to extreme levels ranging from 11 to 15. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during these months, especially from January to April and July to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to avoid harmful effects.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |
| Kwikila | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| 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 |