Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Atuona, French Polynesia is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching up to 10 during midday hours in this tropical paradise, awareness of UV intensity is essential for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Given Atuona's Af climate, characterized by high humidity and abundant sunshine, it’s important to recognize that even short exposure to elevated UV levels can lead to adverse effects. Being informed about the UV Index not only helps you enjoy the beautiful weather but also protects your skin from long-term damage.
The UV Index today displays a dynamic pattern throughout the day, starting off gently at 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it sharply escalates, reaching a peak of 10 at 11:00 — a time when sun safety becomes paramount. The intensity slightly lessens post-noon, dipping to 9 at 12:00, before gradually declining to 7 by 13:00 and further down to 2 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index plummets to 1 at 16:00, and then it falls to 0 from 17:00 onward, signaling a transition into a safer time for outdoor activities. It's a day to savor the sun in the morning while being mindful of peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels in this region demonstrate significant seasonal variation, peaking during the early months. From January to March, the UV Index remains at a critical level of 15, categorized as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. April sees a slight decrease to 14, but it remains in the extreme category, and this trend continues with a UV Index of 12 in May. As summer approaches, the index lowers to 10 in June and July, classified as very high, before rising to 12 in August. September to November maintains a high UV exposure, oscillating between 14 and 15, while December returns to 14. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the high-risk months from January to March, and August to October. It is advisable to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the chances of sunburn and skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Atuona | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |