Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors of Malaeloa/Ituau, American Samoa, where the Af climate brings warm tropical weather year-round. With peak UV levels reaching 10 around midday, awareness of UV exposure can significantly aid in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed choices about sun protection during the day, ensuring safe enjoyment of the outdoor paradise while minimizing the risks of harmful UV radiation. Stay informed and embrace the sun safely in this beautiful region!
As the sun ascends in the morning sky, the UV Index gradually rises, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate risk for unprotected skin. The intensity peaks at noon with a striking 9, showcasing the sun's power as it bathes the earth in its rays. The maximum UV Index occurs at 13:00, hitting 10, which signals a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index diminishes, dropping back to 8 by 14:00 and further declining to 5 at 15:00. By the evening, the sun’s influence wanes with the UV Index falling back to 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. This data underlines the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly around midday when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 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/Ituau | 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 |