UV Index in Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Alotau, Papua New Guinea, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With its tropical climate and intense sunlight, Alotau presents unique challenges when it comes to UV exposure. The UV Index can peak at a staggering 11 during midday hours, highlighting the importance of understanding daily UV levels to safeguard against harmful effects. By being aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors can take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience under the sun.

Hourly UV Index in Alotau

At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1, but as the sun ascends, it rapidly intensifies. By 09:00, it reaches 5, marking the onset of midday sun. The peak is noted at 11:00 and 12:00, with an impressive 11, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; by 15:00, it drops to 5, and you can find some relief by 16:00 with a further decrease to 2. By the time evening sets in, the UV Index dwindles to 0, safely signaling the end of sun exposure concerns for the day. Remember to protect your skin during those crucial midday hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Alotau

Throughout the year, the UV Index in the area remains predominantly extreme, particularly from January to April, and again from July to October, with peak values reaching 16. May sees a slight decrease to 12, while June generally registers a very high index of 10. Notably, the high-risk months are from January to April and July to October, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significantly elevated, translating to a quick burn time of just 10 minutes in most cases. As such, it is advisable for both visitors and residents to take precautionary measures during these peak UV periods, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest, especially during midday hours. Staying vigilant about sun safety is essential to prevent adverse health effects.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Alotau, Papua New Guinea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Alotau. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Alotau, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Alotau UV Index with Other Papua New Guinea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Alotau compares to other major locations across Papua New Guinea. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Alotau's solar exposure compared to other cities in Papua New Guinea. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Alotau	16	16	16	15	12	10	11	13	15	16	15	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