Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Kerema, Papua New Guinea, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it easier to enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoors this coastal town has to offer. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, residents and visitors alike face heightened UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index peaks at a dangerous 11. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions to keep yourself safe from harmful rays while soaking in the natural beauty of Kerema.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. Things heat up significantly by 10:00, soaring to 7, and reaching its maximum of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time for sun protection. As the afternoon sets in, the index gracefully declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then tapering off to 5 by 15:00, and further down to 3 at 16:00. By the time evening arrives, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 17:00 and further diminishes to 0 by 19:00. This fluctuation underscores the importance of vigilant sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
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 |
| Kerema | 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 |