Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Daru, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical climate brings intense sun exposure year-round. Knowing the UV levels allows individuals to take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin health issues, particularly when the index soars to 12 during midday hours. With the highest risks typically occurring between 10 AM and 2 PM, it’s vital to stay informed and protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the vibrant local culture, being aware of the UV Index can help ensure your outdoor activities are safe and enjoyable.
From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the UV Index gradually climbs from a minimal level of 1 to a moderate 4, signaling the start of a day with increasing sun exposure. As we reach 10:00 AM, the intensity surges to 7, and by 11:00 AM, it peaks dramatically at 11, indicating very high UV conditions. The day's maximum UV Index hits 12 at noon and sustains this level until 1:00 PM, demanding extra caution for outdoor activities. By 2:00 PM, the UV Index begins its descent, dropping to 9 before further decreasing to 6 at 3:00 PM. As the sun sets, levels dwindle, returning to 1 by 5:00 PM and below 1 as twilight approaches, leaving only a residual UV impact until sunset at 7:00 PM. For those venturing outside, the message is clear: protect your skin during those midday hours!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, peaking at 16 in January, February, and March, indicating an extreme exposure category with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme UV exposure persists through April and May, where values range from 12 to 15. The trend begins to slightly decrease in the summer months, with June and July recording an index of 11, increasing again to 13 in August, before returning to 15 from September through November. December maintains a UV Index of 15. With the highest UV Index values occurring from January through April, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take appropriate precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and seeking shade to minimize skin damage.
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 |
| Daru | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 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 UVI | 16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 16 |