Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical climate significantly influences sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at an intense 11 during midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. The risk of harmful UV rays can lead to both immediate discomfort and long-term skin issues, making it vital to check UV levels daily. By staying informed and taking proper precautions, locals can enjoy the beautiful weather while safeguarding their health against the sun's aggressive rays.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting at a low 1 in the early morning hours of 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun rises, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 09:00. The midday sun peaks aggressively at 11, with the UV Index hitting its maximum of 11 from 12:00 to 13:00, signaling a high risk for skin damage without protection. Following this peak, values gradually decline, dropping to 9 at 14:00, and tapering down to 6 by 15:00. As the evening approaches, the UV Index falls back to 3 by 16:00 and finally descends to a 1 by 17:00 and 18:00, before sinking to 0 at 19:00, marking the end of the day's UV exposure. It's a reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals that the region experiences extreme levels of UV radiation year-round, with values consistently ranging from 14 to 16 from January through November and slightly cooling in December to 14. The highest risk months are notably January through March and September through November, where the UV Index peaks at 16. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying high-SPF sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during peak hours, as burn times are as low as 10 minutes across all months. Staying informed and practicing sun safety is essential to minimize health risks associated with prolonged UV exposure.
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 |
| Kiunga | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 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 |