Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bourail, New Caledonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing harmful sunburns. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors take proactive measures against the risks of overexposure to the sun, particularly in this tropical climate where maximum UV levels can soar. With typical midday readings peaking at 7 during the summer months, Bourail experiences intense UV radiation that necessitates protective actions. Stay informed and stay safe, as a little awareness goes a long way in enjoying the beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin’s health!
The UV Index reveals an early morning reprieve, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and remaining low through 9:00 AM. However, as the sun climbs, intensity increases sharply, peaking at a 7 around noon, signaling the most potent UV exposure of the day. The early afternoon maintains a respectable UV level of 6 at 1:00 PM before gradually tapering off. By mid-afternoon, it drops to 4, then swiftly declines to 1 by 4:00 PM, and finally settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, marking the day's end for UV concern. This hourly trend underscores the importance of sun safety during peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.
| 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 | 6 | 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 |
| Bourail | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |