Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sonsorol Village, Palau, as it serves as a vital indicator of the sun's intensity and potential health risks associated with UV exposure. Being aware of these levels is key to preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. With a tropical climate that experiences high UV levels, particularly during midday when the index peaks at an alarming 15, it’s essential to take precautions. Familiarizing yourself with the UV Index can help you enjoy the beautiful landscape while safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gentle at 1 by 7:00 AM, making it a comfortable time to enjoy the outdoors. However, as the morning unfolds, the intensity ramps up swiftly, peaking at 15 around noon, indicating a high level of sun exposure risk. The scorching UV rays continue to be a concern until 2:00 PM, where it drops to 11. The afternoon brings a gradual decline, cutting down to 6 by 3:00 PM, and ultimately easing to 1 by 5:00 PM, wrapping up the day with a calmness that invites evening relaxation. As the sun sets around 7:00 PM, the UV Index dips to 0, signaling that it's safe to enjoy the twilight without worry. Remember to stay protected during peak hours when the sun's rays are at their strongest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index displays significant seasonal variations, with notably high levels persisting from January through April, peaking at 17 in March. This indicates an extreme exposure category, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. While May to July experience slightly lower indices (ranging from 13 to 15), they still remain in the extreme category, making these months high-risk for UV exposure. August to October maintain similar levels, especially with UV Index reaching 15 in both September and October. As November and December approach, there is a gradual decline, but the indices still reflect high risk (UV Index of 12 and 13 respectively). Therefore, it is crucial for visitors and residents alike to prioritize sun safety measures—such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours—especially during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mengellang UVI | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Ulimang UVI | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Kloulklubed UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Koror Town UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Koror UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |
| Sonsorol Village | 14 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 |