Last updated: February 8, 2026
In Buota Village, Kiribati, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your health under the relentless sun. Understanding UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in long-term skin health. With a tropical Af climate, Buota experiences high UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at 13, indicating extreme risk. Being informed about these UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions, ensuring safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in this beautiful Pacific paradise.
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 | 9 | very high | 10–15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | 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 |
| Buota Village | 14 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 |