Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Thio, New Caledonia, as it provides essential information about the sun's intensity and potential risks to skin health. With the tropical Am climate of Thio, UV levels can vary significantly throughout the day, peaking at 8 around midday. Being aware of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, helping you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your health. Take note of the UV forecast, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, when the sun is at its strongest, to ensure you can safely soak in the sun without compromising your skin!
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a sharp increase in intensity, peaking around 12:00 PM, where it reaches an impressive 8. Early morning hours start softly with a maximum of 1 at 07:00, gradually climbing to 3 by 09:00 and hitting 6 at 10:00. 11:00 marks a significant rise to 7, before hitting the day’s zenith at 12:00. As the afternoon progresses, we see a decline, dropping to 5 by 14:00 and diminishing further to 3 by 15:00. The UV Index then falls sharply in the late afternoon and evening, settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and ultimately reaching 0 as night takes over. It’s crucial to stay safe under the sun during those peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM!
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest risks occurring in the winter months of January to March and again in late fall, particularly in November. During these periods, the UV index remains at an extreme level of 16, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes, making these the highest-risk months for sun exposure. As spring progresses, the UV index gradually decreases, ranging from 12 in April to 7 in June, but caution is still advised, especially in late spring and parts of summer when it reaches 9 in May and peaks again at 8 in July and 10 in August—both classified as very high risk. Autumn sees a return to extreme levels in September, October, and again in November. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to protect themselves during these high-risk months, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen diligently to minimize UV exposure.
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 |
| Thio | 16 | 16 | 16 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |