Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Samarai, Papua New Guinea, as it provides essential information for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the tropical climate typical of this region, UV levels can soar, particularly around midday when readings peak at 10. This highlights the importance of being informed about UV exposure risks to make educated decisions about sun safety, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful, sun-drenched days in Samarai while safeguarding your skin. By staying vigilant about the UV Index, you can embrace the sun with confidence, minimizing the potential harmful effects of UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at a noteworthy 10 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM—be sure to take precautions if you’re out and about! Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, the index swiftly climbs. By 09:00, it surges to 5, marking the onset of significant UV exposure. The intensity starts to wane post-noon, descending gracefully to 4 by 15:00, and dwindling further to 0 by 18:00. This progression serves as a reminder of the power of the sun—don’t forget your sunscreen during the 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 6 | 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 |
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.
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 |
Samarai | 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 |