Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Alofi, Niue, where the beautiful tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV Index values reaching as high as 8 during midday, the risk of harmful effects increases, making it vital to take precautions. As you enjoy the warm, inviting conditions typical of Alofi, be sure to stay informed about UV levels to protect your skin and make the most of your time outdoors.
At dawn, the UV Index remains low, peaking at 1 by 08:00. As the sun rises higher, a notable increase occurs, reaching 3 at 09:00 and escalating dramatically to a maximum of 8 from 12:00 to 13:00. This midday surge indicates a higher risk for sun exposure, making it essential to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. The intensity then gradually declines, dropping to 4 by 15:00, and continuing its descent to 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the sun’s peak influence for the day. Stay mindful of these hourly fluctuations to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | 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 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 |