UV Index in Lautoka, Fiji

Last updated: January 18, 2026

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Lautoka, Fiji, where the tropical climate brings not only sunshine but also significant exposure to ultraviolet rays. With a UV Index that can peak at 9 during midday—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure—it's essential to be aware of these levels to effectively prevent sunburn and protect skin health. Given Lautoka's warm temperatures and sunny days, knowing when the UV levels are at their highest can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely, ensuring you take the necessary precautions during those critical hours. Stay informed and keep your skin safe under the Fijian sun!

Hourly UV Index in Lautoka

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a comfortable 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; it drops to 7 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 4 at 3:00 PM. The later hours offer a gentle reprieve, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately 0 by 6:00 PM. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential to protect your skin!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	60+ minutes
08:00	4	moderate	30–60 min
09:00	7	high	15–30 min
10:00	11	extreme	<10 minutes
11:00	14	extreme	<10 minutes
12:00	16	extreme	<10 minutes
13:00	16	extreme	<10 minutes
14:00	13	extreme	<10 minutes
15:00	9	very high	10–15 min
16:00	5	moderate	30–60 min
17:00	2	low	60+ minutes
18:00	1	low	60+ minutes
19:00	0	low	60+ minutes

Monthly UV Index Trends in Lautoka

The UV Index data illustrates significant seasonal changes, with extreme levels persisting from January to April and again re-emerging in August, September, October, and November. The highest risk months for sun exposure are January through April and again in August, where the indices reach as high as 16. During these periods, the burn time is notably short, around 10 minutes, signaling a necessity for stringent sun protection. From May to July, while the UV index dips, it remains at very high levels, with burn times varying between 15 minutes and 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures throughout the year, particularly during peak months, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Lautoka, Fiji

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Lautoka. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Lautoka, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Lautoka UV Index with Other Fiji Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Lautoka compares to other major locations across Fiji. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Lautoka's solar exposure compared to other cities in Fiji. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Lautoka	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
Labasa UVI	16	16	15	14	11	8	10	12	14	15	15	15