Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Bulolo, Papua New Guinea, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for ensuring skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly given the region's tropical climate. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to safeguard their skin from harmful rays, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can reach a staggering 12 around noon. With typical exposure risks heightened during the dry season and the sun’s intensity increasing rapidly by mid-morning, it's essential to stay informed and take protective measures. By monitoring the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of Bulolo while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, peaking at a striking 12 between noon and 1 PM, a clear signal for the sun's intense power. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7 AM, it escalates to a moderate 4 by 9 AM, and then surges to an 8 by 10 AM, urging early risers to seek shade. The index reaches its zenith with an aggressive 11 at 11 AM, warning of the necessity to protect skin. As the afternoon wears on, it begins to decline, dropping to a 9 by 2 PM, and dwindling further to a 3 by 4 PM. By the time the clock strikes 6 PM, the index returns to a modest 1, providing a gentle reminder of the day’s solar intensity before fading to 0 by 7 PM. Enjoy the sun, but stay safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
The UV Index consistently reflects extreme exposure risks throughout the year, with the highest values observed from January to April, peaking at 18 in February and March. These high-risk months demand heightened awareness, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes across all months listed. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures during these periods by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize exposure. Even in the warmer months of May to August, with the UV Index remaining high but slightly decreasing, the potential for sunburn remains significant, necessitating continued sun safety practices. As fall approaches, UV levels remain noteworthy, primarily in September and October, with visitors advised to maintain vigilance even as temperatures cool.
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 |
| Bulolo | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
| Mount Hagen UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |