Last updated: May 3, 2025
In the tropical haven of Houailou, New Caledonia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial to protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health, especially in an environment where sun intensity can peak during midday hours. With an Af climate, Houailou experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index often soars to levels of 8 and 9—high enough to cause harm without adequate protection. Staying informed about UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing skin risks.
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 around 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day progresses, the intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with a stunning 9, signaling a high risk for overexposure. The afternoon sees a slight decline, tapering to 8 at 1:00 PM and 5 by 2:00 PM, before swiftly dropping to 3 and 1 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV levels plunge to 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve as the sun sets. It's clear that midday is the time to take protective measures, ensuring you enjoy the sunshine safely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |
| Houailou | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |