UV Index in Noumea, New Caledonia

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Nouméa, New Caledonia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against the sun’s harmful rays. With a tropical climate that enjoys abundant sunshine, the UV levels in this vibrant city can soar, often reaching peaks of 8 around midday. Awareness of these levels is essential to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring you can enjoy outdoor activities safely. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you empower yourself to take necessary precautions, making your time in Nouméa both enjoyable and healthy!

Hourly UV Index in Noumea

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 2, signaling a mild increase in UV exposure. The intensity heats up quickly, reaching a moderate 4 by 9:00 AM, before hitting its peak of 8 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is the prime time for sun safety awareness! After noon, the UV Index gradually declines; by 3:00 PM, it recedes to 3, and as the day wanes, it drops significantly to 1 by 4:00 PM. By evening, UV levels have diminished, reaching 0 by 6:00 PM, offering a reprieve from the sun’s rays.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Noumea

The UV Index exhibits notable seasonal variations, with January through April presenting extreme levels (UV Index 16-12) and a very brief burn time of just 10 minutes for most months. September and October also reflect extreme conditions with a UV Index of 11-13, while November continues this trend at a UV Index of 14. The summer months of May to July see a decrease in intensity; however, May and August are still categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. In June and July, the index drops to high levels (UV Index 6-7), allowing for a longer burn time of 25 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from November to April and during peak summer months, ensuring they employ effective sun protection measures, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shaded areas throughout peak sun hours.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Noumea, New Caledonia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Noumea. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Noumea, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Noumea UV Index with Other New Caledonia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Noumea compares to other major locations across New Caledonia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Noumea's solar exposure compared to other cities in New Caledonia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Noumea	16	16	15	12	8	6	7	10	11	13	14	16
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
We UVI	15	16	16	12	9	7	8	10	12	13	14	15