Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Fayaoue, New Caledonia, with its tropical climate posing unique sun exposure challenges. Being aware of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors safely. The midday sun can be particularly intense here, peaking at a UV Index of 8 around noon, which signifies a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With this knowledge, you can take proactive steps to shield yourself, especially during those peak hours when UV radiation is strongest.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring during the winter months. January to April consistently show an extreme exposure category, with a UV Index peaking at 16 and a rapid burn time of only 10 minutes. September through November also remain critical, maintaining an extreme exposure level, while May to August sees a slight reduction, categorizing the exposure as very high to high. Notably, the summer months of July and August still pose a risk, with burn times between 15 to 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from October to March, when UV levels are consistently extreme, emphasizing the need for effective sun protection strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, while seeking shade during peak UV hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paita UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Dumbea UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Mont-Dore UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Noumea UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Fayaoue | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
We UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |