Last updated: August 1, 2025
In Paita, New Caledonia, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, helping residents and visitors alike make informed choices about sun safety. This is particularly important in Paita, where the Cfa climate often leads to intense sun exposure, especially during midday hours when UV levels peak at 7 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. By monitoring these levels, you can prevent sunburn and protect your long-term skin health, ensuring your time in this beautiful locale remains safe and enjoyable. Remember, a little awareness can go a long way in enjoying the sun responsibly!
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!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | 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 |