Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Hithadhoo, Maldives, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With UV Index ratings peaking at 11 during midday hours, being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining healthy skin. Bracing for intense sun exposure from late morning to early afternoon (10 AM to 2 PM) can help you protect yourself against skin damage and the long-term risks associated with it. Embrace the island's beauty while being sun-smart!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting with a gentle 1 at 07:00 AM. By 08:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling a day of increasing sun exposure. The real intensity hits between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, peaking at a striking 11 at 12:00 PM and remaining steady until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 8 at 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels dramatically decrease, settling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, before finally fading to 0 as the sun sets at 7:00 PM. Make sure to protect your skin between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the UV rays are at their 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, indicating extreme exposure risk for visitors and residents. The highest UV Index values occur from February to March, peaking at 16, and remain elevated until May. High-risk months correlate with these peaks, where a burn time of just 10 minutes can lead to significant skin damage. It is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures during this period, including wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest. As the seasons transition into summer and fall, while the UV readings slightly decrease, they remain in the high range, so continued vigilance is strongly recommended year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kulhudhuffushi UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
Male UVI | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 12 |
Hithadhoo | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Thinadhoo UVI | 14 | 14 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
Hithadhoo UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |
Fuvahmulah UVI | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 |