UV Index in Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of Alotau, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical Af climate creates conditions for high UV exposure. As the day progresses, UV levels can soar, peaking at 10 around midday, making awareness essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Knowing when the UV Index is elevated empowers you to take protective measures, ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and safe as you navigate Alotau's beautiful, sun-drenched landscapes.

Hourly UV Index in Alotau

In the early hours of the day, the UV Index starts low, peaking at 1 at 07:00 before gradually rising as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By 10:00, it reaches a noteworthy 8, escalating to its maximum level of 10 at 11:00 and 12:00—the prime hours for sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline: 9 at 13:00, followed by a drop to 7 at 14:00. The late afternoon sees it further decrease, with values falling to 4 at 15:00 and down to 1 by 17:00. Finally, the UV Index falls to 0 after 18:00, marking the end of a sun-drenched day. Keep in mind, when the UV Index is high, it's crucial to protect your skin!

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	2	low	45 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	10	very high	15 min
13:00	9	very high	15 min
14:00	7	high	25 min
15:00	4	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