Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Paita, New Caledonia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and health. With the tropical Cfa climate, residents and visitors alike face varying sun exposure levels throughout the day. By knowing the UV levels, particularly when they're at their peak from 10 AM to 1 PM, you can take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index in Paita ranges from low to moderate levels in the early hours, peaking at 6 around noon, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures during the day. Prioritizing UV awareness not only enhances your enjoyment of outdoor activities but also safeguards your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index in this hourly snapshot reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day. Early morning sees low levels, with a maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk for skin damage. As the sun rises higher, the index climbs sharply, peaking at 6 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where caution is advised due to an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By mid-afternoon, the index starts to drop, falling to 4 at 2:00 PM, and then further declines towards evening, with readings of 2 at 3:00 PM and returning to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day concludes with a relief as the index reaches 0 by 6:00 PM, signaling a safe time to be outdoors without sun protection. This data serves as a reminder to stay vigilant during peak hours to protect your skin!
| 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 | 6 | 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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paita | 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 |