Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the picturesque Taiohae, French Polynesia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and enjoying the beautiful outdoors safely. With a tropical climate that frequently exposes residents and visitors to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, understanding UV levels can mean the difference between a fun day under the sun and painful sunburn. During peak hours, especially between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels, reaching a maximum of 11. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin health while experiencing the stunning beauty of Taiohae.
As the day dawns, the UV Index starts off gently at 2 by 7:00 AM, making it a perfect time for a morning stroll. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 4, encouraging early risers to enjoy the sunshine while being mindful of sun exposure. At 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that protection is advisable. By 10:00 AM, the index surges to a peak of 9, alerting everyone to the need for sunscreen as the sun is at its most intense. 11:00 AM brings the day's maximum UV Index of 11, a critical hour to seek shade or wear protective gear. As noon approaches, the UV Index dips slightly to 10 and begins a slow descent through the afternoon. By 1:00 PM, it rests at 8, then gradually falls to 5 at 2:00 PM, before continuing to decrease to 3 by 3:00 PM. As the sun starts its descent, the levels drop to 1 by 4:00 PM and remain mild through the evening, finally settling to 0 by 6:00 PM. Through this rollercoaster of UV exposure, staying informed and protected is key to enjoying outdoor activities safely!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels persisting from January through April, and again from July to September. High-risk months for UV exposure include January through April and July through September, where the UV Index consistently remains at 14 or higher, indicating an extreme risk category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these periods, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours. As UV levels decrease slightly in June, the burn time increases to 15 minutes; however, caution is still advised as UV levels remain very high. Regular awareness and preparation are essential to ensure safety under the sun year-round.
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 |
| Taiohae | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |