Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Tapuarava, French Polynesia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical Af climate that often sees elevated UV levels, understanding the daily UV exposure is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach as high as 8, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By monitoring the UV Index, residents and visitors alike can make informed choices to enjoy the beautiful sun while minimizing their risk of skin damage.
The solar intensity today follows an interesting pattern, peaking at 11:00 AM with a UV Index of 8, indicating a high level of ultraviolet radiation. As the day begins, the index starts off at a low 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 08:00 AM, and reaching 5 at 09:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the UV Index hits 7, suggesting that sun protection is advisable. After its peak, it dips gradually to 5 at 1:00 PM, before declining further to 3 by 2:00 PM. The afternoon sees a sharp drop, plummeting to 1 by 3:00 PM and remaining low, eventually reaching 0 by 5:00 PM, where it stays for the rest of the evening. So, it's essential to keep an eye on the UV Index, especially during midday when the sun's rays are strongest!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 14:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 1 | 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 |