UV Index in Noumea, New Caledonia

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In Noumea, New Caledonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for everyone enjoying its sunny shores. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a significant role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a Cfa climate that offers warm temperatures and vibrant sunshine, residents and visitors alike face heightened UV exposure risks, especially during the midday hours when the index peaks at 7. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect your skin under the dazzling Noumean sun!

Hourly UV Index in Noumea

As the sun rises, the UV Index remains low at 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, offering a gentle start to the day. However, as the hours progress, the intensity increases, reaching 3 by 09:00 and peaking at 7 between 11:00 and 13:00. This midday surge signifies the sun's powerful rays, urging everyone to take precautions for skin protection. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 5 at 14:00, and further decreasing to 3 by 15:00. The evening brings relief, with the index falling to 1 by 16:00 and 0 from 18:00 onward. Embrace the early hours for outdoor activities, but stay vigilant during lunchtime when the sun is at its strongest!

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:002low45 min
09:005moderate30 min
10:007high25 min
11:009very high15 min
12:0010very high15 min
13:009very high15 min
14:006high25 min
15:004moderate30 min
16:002low45 min
17:001low45 min
18:000low45 min
19:000low45 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec161615128671011131516
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.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Noumea161615128671011131416
Paita UVI161615128671011131416
Dumbea UVI161615128671011131416
Mont-Dore UVI161615128671011131416
We UVI151616129781012131415