Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Malaeloa/Aitulagi, American Samoa, where the sun can be both a friend and a foe. With the region's tropical climate, UV exposure peaks midday, reaching dangerous levels of 9 around noon. This knowledge is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting your long-term skin health. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Malaeloa/Aitulagi while safeguarding yourself against the powerful sun's rays. Remember, awareness translates to action – and that's key to enjoying the sun safely!
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a significant rise, peaking at a notable 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM see a minimal risk with indices of 1 to 3. As the sun climbs higher, the index reaches 7 at 11:00 AM, before hitting its maximum of 9 at noon. The afternoon sees a gradual decline: by 3:00 PM, it drops to 4, and by evening, it settles at 0 around 6:00 PM, indicating no significant risk. To stay safe under the sun, it's advisable to seek shade and wear protective clothing during the peak hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant variations throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels primarily in the winter and early spring months. From January to May, the UV Index consistently ranges from 11 to 16, indicating high-risk months, particularly during January to April when burn time is just 10 minutes. In June and July, the Index lowers to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, levels rise again in August, September, and October, all falling within the extreme category, with burn times reverting to 10 minutes. To ensure safety, residents and visitors alike are advised to limit sun exposure during these high-risk months, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen consistently when outdoors.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaeloa/Aitulagi | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Aua UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Faleniu UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Leone UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Tafuna UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Pago Pago UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |