Last updated: August 1, 2025
In We, New Caledonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health from the sun’s harmful rays. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. With a tropical Af climate, residents and visitors face varying UV exposure risks, peaking between 10 AM and 1 PM when the index reaches levels of 8. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your skin while reveling in the stunning surroundings of New Caledonia.
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 |
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 |