UV Index in Lae, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Lae, Papua New Guinea, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for reducing long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, Lae faces notable UV exposure risks, particularly around midday when the index can soar to 11. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed choices about sun protection and enjoy the beautiful outdoor lifestyle that Lae offers, all while keeping your skin healthy and safe.

Hourly UV Index in Lae

The UV Index throughout the day paints a clear picture of sun intensity, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00 and peaking at an intense 11 by 12:00. From 09:00 to 13:00, the index steadily rises, reaching its zenith with a scorching 10 at 11:00. As afternoon approaches, the UV levels begin to gradually drop, hitting 5 by 15:00 and tapering off significantly to a mere 1 by 17:00. By 18:00, the sun's rays diminish entirely, with the index falling to 0. It's clear that midday offers the most sun exposure, making that time crucial for sun protection!

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	4	moderate	30 min
10:00	8	very high	15 min
11:00	10	very high	15 min
12:00	11	extreme	10 min
13:00	10	very high	15 min
14:00	8	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 Lae

Throughout the year, UV Index levels remain exceptionally high, with values mostly ranging from 11 to 17, classifying exposure as extreme. The high-risk months are from January to April when the UV Index peaks at 17 in February and March. Even as the year progresses into the summer months, the UV Index remains significantly elevated, with burn times as short as 10 minutes across all months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and to seek shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. It’s essential to remain vigilant year-round, as the risk of harm from UV exposure persists even in the cooler months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Lae, Papua New Guinea

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Lae. 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 Lae, 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 Lae UV Index with Other Papua New Guinea Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Lae 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.

Lae'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
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	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