UV Index in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Rabaul, 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 reducing long-term skin damage, especially in a climate that features intense sunlight and high UV exposure. With a typical daily maximum UV Index reaching 11 around midday, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant during peak hours to enjoy outdoor activities safely. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful tropical environment of Rabaul.

Hourly UV Index in Rabaul

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Rabaul

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Rabaul, Papua New Guinea

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Rabaul 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.

Rabaul'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 UVI	15	16	17	16	13	11	11	13	15	15	15	14
Rabaul	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