Last updated: February 8, 2026
In Buariki Village, Kiribati, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With its Af climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round, residents and visitors alike face significant UV exposure risks, especially during peak hours when the index can soar to levels 11 and 13. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for reducing long-term skin damage. As you explore the beauty of Buariki, being informed about these UV ratings will empower you to take the necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
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 | 60+ minutes |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30–60 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 10–15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | <10 minutes |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | <10 minutes |
| 13:00 | 16 | extreme | <10 minutes |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | <10 minutes |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 10–15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30–60 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 60+ minutes |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 60+ minutes |
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 |
| Buariki Village | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |