Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kurumul, Papua New Guinea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly in a region known for its tropical climate and intense sun exposure. With peak UV levels reaching 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help residents and visitors alike take necessary precautions to protect themselves from harmful rays. By monitoring UV levels, individuals can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing their risk of skin damage, ensuring they stay healthy and sun-safe in this vibrant locale.
The UV Index for the day illustrates a clear pattern of rising intensity as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, the index gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM, signaling the start of a moderately low UV risk. By 9:00 AM, it hits 4, marking the onset of more noticeable sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 PM, where the UV index peaks at an intense 12—a critical time for sun safety. As afternoon gives way to evening, the index begins to decline, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and sinking to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, by 7:00 PM, the UV threat diminishes entirely, with a reading of 0. A day's journey through UV risk highlights the importance of protection during those midday hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly peaking in January through April, where it consistently reaches values between 16 and 18, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although a slight decline occurs in June to July with indexes of 12 to 13, the readings remain at a critical level and rise again in August and September to 14 and 16, before steadying at 15 in November and December. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution year-round, especially during the high-risk months of January to April. To protect your skin, minimize sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, regardless of the season.
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 |
Kurumul | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
Mount Hagen UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |