Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Minj, Papua New Guinea, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate, the sun can be intense, particularly during peak hours when UV levels soar to 12—a level that significantly increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard against harmful UV radiation, ensuring that your outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe. Stay informed, protect yourself, and embrace the beauty of Minj without compromising your skin health!
The UV Index starts off low at 1 around 07:00, gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun reaches its peak, the index sharply escalates, hitting 8 at 10:00 and peaking at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense solar exposure signals a strong need for protection, especially with the index maintaining an elevated 11 at 11:00 before beginning a gradual decline. By 14:00, it drops to 9, then further down to 6 at 15:00, and continues to fall, reaching 1 by 17:00. As the evening approaches, the UV levels taper off to 0 by 19:00, indicating a complete cessation of harmful UV exposure. Stay savvy and prioritize sun safety 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index values display a consistent pattern of extreme exposure, particularly from January to April, peaking at an index of 18. The high-risk months for sun exposure are notably the first four months, where the burn time is as brief as 10 minutes. As the season shifts into late spring and summer (May to August), UV Index values decrease slightly but remain in the extreme category, necessitating vigilance. The trend continues into the fall, with September through November showing UV indexes hovering around 16-17, still classified as extreme. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours of sunlight.
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 |
Minj | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 16 |