Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Poindimie, New Caledonia, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially as the island's tropical climate often exposes residents and visitors to heightened UV risks. With peak UV Index values reaching a striking 9 around midday, it's essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin. Whether you're basking on the beach or exploring the vibrant local surroundings, being UV-savvy is key to a healthy outdoor experience.
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, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risk occurring from January to April, where the UV Index consistently ranges from 12 to 16, classifying the exposure category as extreme and indicating a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. A notable decrease is observed from May to July, where the UV Index dips to 9 and 7-8, still categorized as very high but allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. By August, the UV levels spike back to 10 and rise again in September to 12, returning to extreme levels in October through December. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take extra precautions during high-risk months, particularly from January to April and September to November, ensuring sun protection measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
| Poindimie | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |