Last updated: August 1, 2025
In the idyllic coastal town of Vao, New Caledonia, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. With dramatic peaks reaching a UV Index of 7 around noon, understanding these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. Vao’s Aw climate—characterized by warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine—means that residents and visitors alike need to stay vigilant about UV exposure risks, particularly during the mid-morning to early afternoon hours when UV radiation is at its peak. Embracing this knowledge empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting your skin!
The UV Index today began its ascent at 7:00 AM with a modest 1, slowly climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun rose higher, the index reached 3 at 9:00 AM, then jumped to 5 by 10:00 AM. The peak was recorded at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, both hitting a notable 7. By 1:00 PM, the UV Index slightly dipped to 6, followed by a gradual decline to 5 by 2:00 PM. This downward trend continued as it fell to 3 at 3:00 PM and further decreased to 1 by 4:00 PM. The day wrapped up with very low readings of 1 at 5:00 PM, and dropping to 0 by 6:00 PM, indicating a safe evening with minimal UV exposure. Make the most of the sun wisely! ☀️
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels dominating from January to April, peaking in February at an index of 16, where the burn time is just 10 minutes. Following this, the index begins to decline, reaching a very high category in May and August, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. The summer months of June and July show a high UV Index of 6 to 7, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 25 minutes. As autumn approaches, September and October return to the extreme category, with quick burn times of 10 minutes again seen. November continues this trend, before the year closes with December’s UV Index climbing back to 16. Residents and visitors should take precautions during high-risk months, particularly from January to April and again in September, using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to reduce risks associated with UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vao | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 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 |
| 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 |