Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in We, New Caledonia is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the island's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike face varying UV levels that can peak during midday, reaching a high of 7 around noon. This highlights the importance of being informed about UV exposure risks, as even short periods of time in the sun can have lasting effects on your skin. By keeping track of the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful, sunny days that We offers while minimizing potential damage.
The UV Index data paints a clear picture of how exposure to ultraviolet rays varies throughout the day. Starting at a low level of 1 at 07:00, the index gradually climbs to peak at 7 from 11:00 to 12:00, indicating the times when sun protection is most crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips to 6 at 13:00, then gently declines to 4 by 14:00. The evening hours see a significant drop, with values falling to 2 at 15:00 and retreating to 1 at 16:00. By nightfall, the UV Index drops to 0 from 18:00 onward, signalling a safe time for outdoor activities without the need for sun protection. Enjoy the sunshine, but be mindful of the peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
15:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index fluctuates significantly throughout the year, with extreme levels observed from January through April and again in September to November. The highest risk months for sun exposure are January, February, and March, where the UV Index reaches 16, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, May to July sees a decline to very high levels, where a slightly increased burn time of 15 to 25 minutes allows for some outdoor activity but still necessitates caution. As visitors and residents engage in outdoor activities, it is crucial to utilize sun protection measures—such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing—during these high-risk periods, especially when UV levels exceed 9. For safe sun enjoyment, keep in mind that even when the UV Index is lower, it’s still important to protect your skin, especially during peak 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 |
We | 15 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |