Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Mendi, Papua New Guinea, is crucial for preserving your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Af climate, Mendi experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday when levels soar to a maximum of 12. As the sun reaches its peak, even short periods of unprotected skin can lead to harm, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV levels. By being aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to protect themselves from UV-related damage, ensuring a safer and healthier experience in this beautiful location.
The UV Index today shows a dynamic pattern as the sun rises. Starting low at 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs, reaching a moderate level of 4 by 09:00. The intensity noticeably ramps up to a high of 11 at 11:00, peaking at 12 during the midday hours from 12:00 to 13:00, indicating the need for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 10 at 14:00 and falling further to 3 by 16:00. By the evening, the index returns to 1 at 17:00 and finally fades to 0 by 19:00, signifying a safe end to sun exposure for the day. Be mindful of the sun’s strength and stay protected during 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 | 9 | 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 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits extremely high levels throughout the year, particularly peaking from January to April, where values consistently reach 16-18, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. This makes these months the highest risk period for skin damage due to UV exposure. In the subsequent months of May through July, the UV Index remains elevated but slightly decreases to 12-14, still indicating an extreme risk category. As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index stabilizes around 16 from September to November, ensuring that residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant year-round. To protect against harmful UV rays, it is essential to apply sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
Mendi | 16 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
Mount Hagen UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |