Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Tapuarava, French Polynesia is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With its tropical climate, Tapuarava experiences varying UV levels that can significantly impact skin health, making awareness crucial for preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage. During the day, especially around midday, the UV Index can reach high values, peaking at 8 around 11:00 AM. By staying informed about these levels, residents and visitors can take necessary precautions to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation, ensuring a healthy and enjoyable experience under the sun.
At dawn, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, peaking at 08:00 with a value of 3, indicating a low risk for sun exposure. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 5, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. The day reaches its zenith at 11:00, where the index hits a robust 8, signaling a high risk and a reminder to seek shade whenever possible. As the sun begins to descend, the UV Index takes a downward turn, falling to 6 by 13:00 and tapering off through the afternoon, ending the day at 0 by 17:00, suggesting it's safe to enjoy the outdoors without the worry of UV exposure. From 11:00 to 14:00, those outside should be especially vigilant, balancing enjoyment and sun safety.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | 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 levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring in the winter and late fall months. January to April consistently presents extreme UV Index ratings, peaking at 15, with an alarming burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into warmer months, the UV Index decreases to a very high category from May to August, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. However, September to December returns to extreme exposure levels, particularly noteworthy in November, which again reaches a UV Index of 15. This data indicates that the highest risk months are generally from January to April and again in September through November. To protect your skin, it is essential for both residents and visitors to prioritize sun safety measures during these peak periods, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and minimizing direct sun exposure, particularly during midday hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapuarava | 15 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 |
| 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 |