Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents and visitors of Morehead, Papua New Guinea, where the tropical climate often brings significant sun exposure. Awareness of UV levels plays a crucial role in preventing sunburn and protecting overall skin health, especially in a region that experiences high UV readings, peaking at 11 around midday. With typical exposure risks heightening during the hotter hours, being informed about UV Index levels can empower you to take proactive measures, ensuring your enjoyment of Morehead's beautiful outdoor environment remains safe and healthy.
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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant changes, with extreme exposure levels predominating from January through November, peaking at 16 in February and March. The high-risk months for sun exposure are January, February, March, April, and July, where the UV Index remains consistently high at 15-16. Even in the summer, though the UV Index slightly decreases in June to 10, it still falls within the very high category. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures—from wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours—to avoid harmful effects of UV radiation. Remember: direct sun exposure of as little as 10 minutes can lead to sunburn in high-risk months!
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 |
| Morehead | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 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 |