Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Rauna, Papua New Guinea, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels is not just a numbers game—it's a vital tool for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. With Rauna's tropical climate often exposing residents and visitors to high UV levels, especially during midday hours when the index can soar to an alarming 13, it's essential to take proactive measures against harmful sun exposure. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or engaging in daily activities, staying informed about UV risks can help safeguard your skin and ensure a healthier lifestyle.
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 | 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 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 |
| Rauna | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |
| Mount Hagen UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |