Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Mahina, French Polynesia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against the damaging effects of the sun. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a pivotal role in maintaining long-term skin health. Nestled in an Af climate zone, Mahina experiences high UV exposure, particularly around midday when the UV Index peaks at 10. With values soaring above 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM, it's essential to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the beautiful tropical environment while protecting your skin.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, starting off mildly at 07:00 with a value of 1. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases, reaching 2 by 08:00 and escalating sharply to 5 at 09:00. The peak UV intensity occurs around 12:00, hitting a maximum of 10, indicating the need for sun protection. After this peak, the index gradually declines, dipping to 9 by 13:00 and lowering further to 6 by 14:00. As afternoon fades into evening, UV exposure diminishes significantly, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and then back to 1 by 16:00, before finally reaching 0 by 18:00 and remaining at zero into the night. Stay safe while enjoying the sunshine!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 Index levels show significant seasonal variations, with the highest risk occurring from January to April where the index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 16 in January. This period requires heightened caution for both visitors and residents, as the burn time is only 10 minutes. As the months transition into May and June, the index drops but remains classified as very high, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. September sees a return to extreme conditions, resembling those at the year's beginning. The high-risk months are thus January through April and September through October, with November and December also warranting caution due to extreme UV levels. Visitors and residents are advised to take preventative measures during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahina | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Pirae UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Punaauia UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Papeete UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Faaa UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |