Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Vaitape, French Polynesia, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. The region's tropical climate brings with it significant sun exposure, especially during peak hours when UV levels can soar as high as 8. Understanding these levels is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of UV radiation. With values reaching their peak between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of Vaitape while safeguarding their skin. Remember, knowledge is your first line of defense against sun-related health issues!
The UV Index throughout the day showcases an interesting pattern of solar intensity and risk levels. From the early hours, the index starts low at 1 by 07:00, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its peak intensity at 11:00, where the index hits 8, remaining steady until 13:00—a time best reserved for shade-seekers and sunscreen users. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dipping back to 3 by 15:00, and then dropping to a negligible 0 by 18:00, marking a safe end to the sun's more harmful rays. Stay vigilant during those midday hours for optimal sun safety!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 |
As the data reveals, the UV Index exhibits extreme levels from January to April, peaking at 16 in January and gradually decreasing to 13 in April, with a rapid transition to a very high exposure category from May through August. High-risk months for UV exposure are concentrated from January through April, and again in September through November, where the burn time remains at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during these high-risk months. Even during the very high exposure months of May to August, a burn time of 15 minutes highlights the continued need for vigilance against UV radiation.
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 |
| Vaitape | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 |