Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Hienghene, New Caledonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health, especially given the region’s tropical climate, which can expose residents and visitors to intense UV radiation. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can reach significantly high levels, making it vital to take protective measures. With typical exposure risks hovering around moderate to extreme, knowing the UV Index helps you enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery of Hienghene while keeping your skin safe from harm.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 8 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a potent need for sun protection. Early morning hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, see a modest index of 1 to 3, ideal for a gentle outdoor start. However, as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, the intensity escalates to 6, urging caution for those venturing outside. The midday sun is fierce, reaching a peak of 7 to 8—the perfect time to seek shade or don protective gear. Following this high, the UV levels decrease steadily, falling back to 3 by 3:00 PM, then tapering off to 1 by late afternoon, and finally dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM. Stay safe and enjoy the sun wisely!
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 extreme levels dominating from January to April and again in September to November. Notably, the highest UV readings occur in January, February, and December at 16, demanding utmost caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The high-risk months include March and April, where the Index remains at 15 and 12, respectively, both still classified as extreme. As we transition into the summer, UV levels drop slightly, peaking in July and August at very high levels of 8 and 10, allowing for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. It’s crucial for visitors and residents to protect themselves, particularly from March to April and September to November, by using adequate sun protection measures, limiting exposure during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen at all times to minimize skin damage.
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 UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Hienghene | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |