Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Moindou, New Caledonia, where the sun shines brightly throughout much of the year. High UV levels can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential to stay informed about daily UV exposure. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sun from mid-morning to early afternoon, Moindou experiences notable peaks in UV intensity, such as a maximum of 9 at noon. Staying vigilant about UV levels empowers you to protect your skin while enjoying the region's beautiful outdoor activities, ensuring a healthy balance of fun and safety under the sun.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic shift throughout the day, beginning with a mild level of 1 at 07:00. As the sun rises higher, it peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a robust 9, indicating high exposure risk for unprotected skin. This intensity continues until 13:00, where it dips to 7, before gradually declining throughout the afternoon. By 15:00, the index lowers to 3, providing a more moderate environment for outdoor activities. As the evening sets in, the UV Index drops quickly, finishing the day at 0 by 19:00. It’s a clear reminder of the sun’s powerful influence—stay protected during the peak hours!
| 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 | 7 | 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 |
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 |
| Moindou | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 16 |