Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Papeete, French Polynesia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you enjoy the stunning tropical climate without worry. With a typical climate that sees high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM—when levels reach up to 8—it’s essential to stay informed. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can plan your outdoor activities wisely and protect yourself from harmful rays, enhancing your Papeete experience while prioritizing your well-being.
The UV Index throughout the day presents an intriguing pattern of intensity. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a low 1, indicating minimal risk for most individuals. As the sun rises higher, it gradually climbs to 2 by 8:00 AM and reaches 3 by 9:00 AM. The real surge occurs around 10:00 AM, where it peaks at 6, then soars to a maximum of 8 at 12:00 PM, creating a high-risk situation for unprotected skin. After this midday peak, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 7 at 1:00 PM and down to 6 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a further decrease, with levels falling to 3 at 3:00 PM, before tapering to 1 by 4:00 PM and slipping to 0 as evening approaches at 6:00 PM. With this data, it's clear that midday is the critical time to be mindful of sun exposure!
| 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 | 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 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Papeete | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Mahina UVI | 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 |
| Faaa UVI | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 |