UV Index in Popondetta, Papua New Guinea

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Popondetta, Papua New Guinea, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a typically warm Af climate, the sun’s intensity can reach dangerous levels, peaking at a staggering UV Index of 13 around noon. This knowledge is essential for effective sunburn prevention, as higher UV levels can lead to severe skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. By staying informed on UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin's health.

Hourly UV Index in Popondetta

The UV Index begins its climb at 7:00 AM with a moderate level of 1, but things heat up quickly. By 10:00 AM, it skyrockets to a striking 9, peaking at 12:00 PM with a blistering 13. The midday sun brings potent rays, making 11:00 AM the moment to seek shade, as the index hits 12. As the afternoon progresses, we see a gradual decline; by 2:00 PM, the index drops to 8 and continues to descend, reaching 0 by 7:00 PM. To enjoy the outdoors safely, it’s crucial to stay protected during peak hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	11	extreme	10 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 Popondetta

The UV Index shows consistently high levels throughout the year, with extreme values peaking at 16 from January to March, and again in October. April to June sees a slight decline, yet the UV Index remains in the extreme category with values ranging from 11 to 15. The summer months of July and August witness minor fluctuations, but UV risk remains significant. Consequently, for both visitors and residents, it is crucial to take precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from January to March and October. To protect your skin, limit sun exposure to less than 10 minutes, wear protective clothing, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Stay safe and enjoy your time outdoors!

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Popondetta, Papua New Guinea

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Popondetta 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.

Popondetta'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	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