Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tonga is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate and intense sunlight, Tonga experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during the midday hours when the index peaks at 12. Awareness of UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for both locals and visitors. As you enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant landscapes of Tonga, being mindful of UV indices is key to ensuring a safe and healthy experience under the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an interesting pattern as the sun rises and reaches its peak intensity. Starting at a mere 1 at 7:00 AM, it climbs slowly, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM. However, the real surge occurs as the day progresses, with a sharp increase to 5 by 9:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, you'll want to ensure proper sun protection, as it peaks at 10. The intensity reaches its highest point of 12 at 12:00 PM, suggesting maximum caution is needed. As the afternoon rolls on, the index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and then steadily declining to 3 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the UV exposure diminishes significantly as the day winds down, returning to a safe 1 by 7:00 PM and 0 by 8:00 PM. Be sure to enjoy the sun wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels persisting from January through November, indicating that precautions should be taken year-round. The months of March through May, with UV Index values reaching as high as 14, represent the peak risk for skin damage, where even short exposure can result in burns in as little as 10 minutes. While there is a slight reduction in the UV Index during the summer months of June and July, it remains high at 12, emphasizing the need for vigilance. As fall approaches, UV levels stabilize but still stay elevated, particularly in September and October, at 13. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to utilize sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours, especially between late winter and early autumn, to reduce their risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douala UVI | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
| Kousseri UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Garoua UVI | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| Yaounde UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Tonga | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Bamenda UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 |