Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Pouebo, New Caledonia, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you can enjoy the beautiful sun without adverse effects. With a tropical climate characterized by increased UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index can reach as high as 7, it’s essential to monitor these levels and take necessary precautions. By being informed about the UV Index, you can make safer choices for outdoor activities and keep your skin healthy in this stunning paradise.
The UV Index for the day provides a clear picture of sun exposure. Starting off gently at 1 in the early hours, the intensity gradually builds, reaching a peak of 7 between 11:00 and 12:00. This is the ideal time for sun protection, as skin can burn quickly. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping to 3 by 15:00 and further down to 1 by late afternoon. After sunset, the UV Index falls to 0, indicating safe conditions. Stay sun smart, especially during the peak hours for maximum protection!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal fluctuations in UV radiation, with the highest levels observed during the winter and early spring months (January to March) at an alarming 16, classified as extreme, where the burn time is only 10 minutes. Notably, November and December also exhibit an extreme index of 15. April, while slightly lower at 12, still falls within the extreme category, warranting caution. As the year progresses into summer, UV levels decrease slightly, with June at 7 (high), July at 8 (very high), and August peaking again at 10 (very high). September and October mark a return to extreme levels, with indices of 12 and 13, respectively. Residents and visitors, particularly in high-risk months from January to April and again in September to November, should take precautionary measures to minimize exposure: wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun 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 UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| Pouebo | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |