Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, especially given the region’s tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health, particularly during peak hours when the index can reach a maximum of 11 around midday. With Kokopo's average UV exposure risks significantly increasing from 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Enjoy the sunshine, but stay informed to keep your skin safe!
The UV Index today starts off modestly at 1 by 07:00, but as the sun rises higher, it peaks dramatically at 11 between 11:00 and 12:00, indicating a period of high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. At 09:00, it reaches 6, prompting a bit more caution, while 10:00 brings a significant jump to 9. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline, dropping to 4 by 15:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. After 18:00, the UV Index falls to 0, ensuring that later in the day, the risk of UV exposure diminishes completely. Stay protected during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently extreme, with values peaking in the early months. From January to March, the UV Index reaches a high of 17, signaling that these are high-risk months for sun exposure, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. As spring progresses into summer, the index slightly declines but remains elevated at 12-13 by June through August. Even in the fall and winter months, the Index stays between 14-15, emphasizing the persistent need for sun protection. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions year-round, such as wearing sunscreen, donning protective clothing, and seeking shade to avoid harmful UV exposure, especially during the peak months from January to April.
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 |
Arawa UVI | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
Kokopo | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 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 |