Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Flying Fish Cove, Christmas Island, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. Daily fluctuations in UV levels can significantly impact your chances of sunburn and long-term skin health, making it essential to stay informed. Located in a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, Flying Fish Cove typically experiences peak UV levels that can soar to 12 during midday hours, requiring vigilance and sun protection to avoid the adverse effects of overexposure. By understanding these UV indices, you can enjoy the island's beauty while safeguarding your skin from damage.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 07:00, but as the morning unfolds, it swiftly climbs. By 09:00, the index hits 6, indicating a moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The sun reaches its zenith around noon, peaking at a scorching 12 at 12:00. 11:00 to 12:00 marks the most dangerous hours for sun exposure, with the UV Index staying at 11 and 12, so sunscreen is essential! After this peak, a gradual decline begins. By 14:00, it drops to 7, and then further descends into the afternoon and evening, stabilizing at 0 by 19:00, indicating a safe end to sun exposure for the day. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during those critical midday hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant fluctuations, with extreme levels dominating from January to April, where the UV Index consistently reaches between 15 to 17 and results in a swift burn time of just 10 minutes. The trend continues, with the peak UV values persisting into July and August, where the risk remains high at 11 to 13. Notably, high-risk months for UV exposure are January through November, all rated as extreme, warning residents and visitors to take necessary precautions. Even June, with a very high UV Index of 10, still necessitates a careful approach, allowing up to 15 minutes of safe sun exposure. For safety, it is imperative to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, particularly during the peak UV hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Fish Cove | 15 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 15 |