Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at a remarkably high level of 12 around noon, which can lead to quick sunburns and long-term skin damage if proper precautions aren't taken. With Kavieng's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike should stay informed about the UV levels to enjoy outdoor activities safely while minimizing the risk of harmful effects on their skin. Remember, by keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to ensure your sun exposure is both enjoyable and safe!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling the start of a day that will soon heat up. At 9:00 AM, the index reaches 6, prompting the need for some sun protection if you're heading outdoors. The peak hits around 12:00 PM, soaring to a blistering 12, making it essential to seek shade and wear sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the levels begin to decline, with a gentle drop to 10 at 1:00 PM, followed by 8 at 2:00 PM. By 3:00 PM, the UV Index lessens to 4, gradually fading to 2 at 4:00 PM. As daylight dwindles, the index falls to 1 at 5:00 PM and finally settles at 0 after 6:00 PM, marking the end of a high UV day. Remember to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index data indicates a consistently extreme exposure category throughout the year, with burn times remaining at 10 minutes for each month. Notably, the highest UV indexes occur from January to March, peaking at 17 in March. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, especially from January to April, when UV levels are at their most intense. While the UV Index slightly decreases from June to August, it remains high at 12-14 during the subsequent months. It is essential for everyone to take appropriate sun safety precautions year-round, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary.
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 |
| Kavieng | 15 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |