Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Lautoka, Fiji, where the tropical climate can expose residents and visitors to heightened levels of ultraviolet radiation. By being aware of UV levels, individuals can take proactive measures to prevent sunburn and protect their skin health, reducing the risk of long-term damage. With peak UV readings in Lautoka reaching as high as 8 around midday, it’s essential to be vigilant when planning outdoor activities. This awareness can help safeguard against the intense sun exposure typical of this Am climate zone, ensuring that your time in the sun is both enjoyable and safe.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a gentle 1 at 07:00, rising gradually as the sun climbs higher. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate level of UV radiation. The heat of the day peaks at 12:00 with a high of 8, suggesting it’s time to seek shade or apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index slightly drops to 7 at 13:00 and continues to decline, settling at 3 by 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the risk diminishing to 1 at 17:00 and finally dropping to 0 by 18:00, signaling a safer time for outdoor activities as the day winds down. Be mindful of the midday sun to protect your skin!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | 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 |
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.
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 |
| 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 |