Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Taputimu, American Samoa, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With UV radiation levels peaking during the midday hours, awareness of these levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Taputimu's tropical climate not only brings about stunning beaches and lush landscapes, but it also presents heightened UV exposure risks, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index can soar to as high as 10. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while safeguarding your skin's health.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taputimu | 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 |