Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Ihu, Papua New Guinea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate typical of the Af zone, residents and visitors alike must be aware of the sun’s intensity, especially during peak hours when UV levels can soar to 11 or even 13 around noon. This awareness is key to preventing sunburn and reducing the long-term risks of skin damage. By keeping an eye on UV levels, you can enjoy outdoor activities while ensuring your skin remains protected from harmful rays.
At dawn, the UV Index starts subtly, peaking at 1 by 7:00 AM, but as the sun rises higher, so does the intensity of UV radiation. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 5, and reaches its zenith around 12:00 PM with an impressive 13—a critical time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The intensity slightly wanes in the early afternoon, showing 12 at 1:00 PM, then gradually decreases to 9 by 2:00 PM and further down to 3 at 4:00 PM. As the evening sets in, the UV Index drops dramatically, falling to 0 by 6:00 PM. This hourly data highlights the importance of protecting yourself during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, remaining consistently high throughout the year. January to April sees a UV Index ranging from 15 to 16, classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into May and June, the index slightly decreases to 13 and 11, respectively, but still falls within the extreme category. July and August maintain this moderate level, before increasing again to 15 in September and October. Notably, November also returns to a UV Index of 15, tapering off slightly in December with an index of 14. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to October, where the potential for sunburn is critically high. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours to protect against harmful UV radiation.
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 |
Ihu | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 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 |