Last updated: August 1, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial in Kainantu, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, particularly during the peak hours of sunlight when the index can soar as high as 13. With typical exposure risks heightened in this region, especially around midday, it's important to know when to seek shade and apply sunscreen to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.
At dawn, the UV Index starts gently at 1 around 07:00, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. The real action begins at 09:00, where it spikes to 4, setting the stage for a brilliant morning. By 10:00, the intensity escalates to 8, and just after 11:00, it peaks at a striking 11. Lunchtime sees the UV Index soar to a blazing 13 at 12:00, staying strong at 12 until 13:00. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, dropping to 10 by 14:00 and then to 6 at 15:00. As the sun begins its descent, the UV levels ease to 3 at 16:00, returning to 1 by 17:00, and then lingering at 1 until twilight at 18:00. Finally, as night falls by 19:00, the UV Index fades to a peaceful 0, signaling the end of a vibrant day under the sun.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly from January to April, where it consistently reaches values of 17 to 18. These months pose the highest risk for sunburn, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index slightly decreases, averaging around 12 to 15 from May to August, before rising again to 16 to 17 in the fall months of September to November. Despite these variations, all months indicate an extreme exposure category, emphasizing the importance of protection. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours.
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 |
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 |
Kainantu | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 |