Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Labasa, Fiji, where the tropical climate brings with it heightened sun exposure risks. As UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, recognizing these changes can help you prevent sunburn and promote better skin health. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 8 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, it's essential to be vigilant during these hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy Labasa's beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases an interesting pattern of solar intensity and risk levels. From the early hours, the index starts low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 11:00, where the index hits 8, remaining steady until 13:00—a time best reserved for shade-seekers and sunscreen users. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dipping back to 3 by 15:00, and then dropping to a negligible 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to the sun's more harmful rays. Stay vigilant during those midday hours for optimal sun safety!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | 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 levels remain notably high, particularly from January to April, when the UV Index peaks at 16 with an extreme exposure category, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes. Although the UV Index decreases in June and July to 8 and 10, respectively, the exposure remains very high, allowing for 15 minutes of safe sun exposure. August sees a return to extreme levels with an index of 12, followed by September to November, where the index stays consistently at 15, again indicating extreme risk. December maintains this high risk as well. Given this information, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to adopt rigorous sun protection measures, particularly during the high-risk months of January through April and from August to November, to prevent harmful skin damage. Always consider protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suva UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Ba UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Nadi UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Lautoka UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Labasa | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |