Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Bonriki Village, Kiribati, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate that often exposes residents and visitors to high UV levels—peaking at a significant 13 around midday—it's essential to be aware of the risks to enjoy the sun safely. By monitoring UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin, ensuring that your time outdoors remains enjoyable and healthy. Whether you're engaging in daily activities or soaking in the beauty of this unique island community, staying informed about the UV Index will help you shine bright without the burn.
The UV Index showcases a vibrant hourly dance of sunlight intensity, peaking dramatically as the day unfolds. At 7:00 AM, the index starts at a mild 1, but as the sun rises higher, it experiences a sharp ascent. By 10:00 AM, it reaches 7, signaling a noteworthy increase in UV exposure. The midday sun is relentless, hitting its zenith at 12:00 PM with a staggering 13, before gradually tapering off to 10 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the index gently declines to 4 by 4:00 PM, and its descent continues, dwindling to a 1 by 6:00 PM, just before sunset. Finally, the UV Index settles to 0 at 7:00 PM, marking a retreat from the sun's powerful embrace. It’s a compelling reminder of the sun's powerful presence and the importance of protecting our skin during those peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, particularly from January to April, when it consistently reaches 16. Even during the summer months, the UV Index remains significant, with values between 12 and 14 from June to September. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious during the high-risk months of January to April, as the burn time is just 10 minutes, indicating that unprotected skin can suffer harm very quickly. To protect against potential skin damage, it is essential to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and to seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak hours of sunlight.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bairiki Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Teaoraereke Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Bikenibeu Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Betio Village UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Tarawa UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Bonriki Village | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |