Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Hienghene, New Caledonia, where the tropical climate brings both beauty and elevated sun exposure risks. Staying informed about UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. With a typical daily peak UV Index reaching as high as 7 during midday hours, it’s important to take protective measures to enjoy Hienghene’s stunning outdoor scenery safely. Embrace the vibrant sun, but do so wisely!
During the day, the UV Index exhibits a dynamic pattern, starting off gently in the early hours. At 07:00 and 08:00, the index remains low at 1, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs to 3 by 09:00 and reaches its peak of 7 at both 11:00 and 12:00, signaling a high risk where sun protection is essential. By 13:00, it slightly declines to 6, followed by a notable drop to 4 at 14:00. The afternoon continues to see a decrease, descending to 2 by 15:00, before tapering off to 1 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index falls to 0 by 18:00 and remains there through the night, providing a safe respite from UV rays.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | 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 |
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 |