Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Morehead, Papua New Guinea, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and promotes better long-term skin health, especially in a climate that can expose you to intense UV radiation throughout the day. With typical peak values soaring to 10 around midday, residents and visitors alike should be aware of their exposure risks and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV index for the day starts off mild, with a maximum of 1 at both 07:00 and 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, expect a gradual increase, peaking at 12:00 and 13:00 with a high index of 10—a clear signal to protect your skin. The intensity wanes by 14:00, dropping to 8, and continues to taper off through the afternoon. By 17:00, the index falls back to 1, finally sinking to a 0 by 19:00, marking a safe return to evening activities. Remember, the midday sun can be fierce; stay protected 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 8 | 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 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 |