Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, where the sun shines brightly in an Af climate zone. Understanding daily UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a critical role in maintaining long-term skin health. With peak UV indexes soaring to a striking 13 around midday, it’s essential to take precautions to minimize exposure during the most intense hours. As you enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Mount Hagen, staying informed about UV risks is vital to ensuring your outdoor activities remain safe and enjoyable.
The hourly UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day. Morning hours start with a gentle rise, peaking at 8 by 10:00 AM. As the clock strikes 11:00 AM, the index climbs to a robust 11, reaching its zenith of 13 at noon and continuing at that level until 1:00 PM. Early afternoon maintains a strong presence with readings of 10 at 2:00 PM, before a gradual decline begins. By 3:00 PM, it dips to 7, and as the day winds down, the UV Index decreases significantly to 3 at 4:00 PM, then falls sharply back to 1 by 5:00 PM, where it remains until the day closes with a 0 by 7:00 PM. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the most intense sun exposure is clearly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, making those hours the ones to seek shade or apply sunscreen for protection.
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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 shows extreme levels throughout the year, with particularly heightened exposure from January to March where the UV Index peaks at 16-18. These months, along with April and September, are identified as high-risk periods, presenting a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should remain vigilant during these months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, particularly during midday hours. Even in months where the UV Index fluctuates (such as June through August), the exposure remains in the extreme category, reinforcing the need for continual sun protection year-round.
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 |
Mount Hagen | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |