Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Alofi, Niue, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially in this tropical haven known for its beautiful weather. With peak UV Index readings soaring to 9 between noon and early afternoon, residents and visitors alike must take proactive measures against potential risks. Given Alofi's Af climate, where sunshine is plentiful, awareness of UV exposure is essential to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin's integrity.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a comfortable 1 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it jumps to 3, signaling a gradual increase in sun exposure. The intensity peaks around 12:00 PM, reaching an impressive 9, making midday the most critical time for sun safety. As the afternoon unfolds, the index slowly declines; it drops to 7 by 2:00 PM, then further decreases to 4 at 3:00 PM. The later hours offer a gentle reprieve, with values falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately 0 by 6:00 PM. Remember, during those peak hours, it’s essential 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 7 | 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with high-risk months occurring from January to April and again in August to November. In winter and early spring, the index is alarmingly high, peaking at 16 from January to March, which means an extreme exposure category and a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into late spring and summer, the UV levels drop slightly, reaching a very high category of 9 to 11 in May and July, allowing for a burn time of up to 25 minutes in June. However, by August through October, the index ramps up again to extreme levels, emphasizing the need for vigilance with a burn time returning to just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and using sunscreen to mitigate the risks of overexposure to UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alofi | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |