Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Satapuala, Samoa, is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With the tropical climate typical of this region, UV levels can rise dramatically, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. Awareness of these levels not only helps prevent painful sunburn but also supports long-term skin vitality. During peak hours, especially between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, UV readings can soar to 9 and 10, highlighting the importance of protective measures. By staying informed, residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful Samoan sun while minimizing the risks associated with high UV exposure.
As the sun ascends in the morning sky, the UV Index gradually rises, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it reaches 3, indicating a moderate risk for unprotected skin. The intensity peaks at noon with a striking 9, showcasing the sun's power as it bathes the earth in its rays. The maximum UV Index occurs at 13:00, hitting 10, which signals a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index diminishes, dropping back to 8 by 14:00 and further declining to 5 at 15:00. By the evening, the sun’s influence wanes with the UV Index falling back to 1 by 17:00 and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. This data underlines the importance of sun safety during peak hours, particularly around midday when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 variation, with extreme levels consistently recorded from January to April and again in August through October. High-risk months for UV exposure include January, February, March, and April, where the UV index remains at a high 16, necessitating a burn time of just 10 minutes. While June and July present slightly lower values at 9 and 10 respectively, the risk remains classified as very high, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. As we move into the latter months, from August to November, the UV index rises again to 12-15, maintaining an extreme exposure category. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents are strongly advised to limit sun exposure during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and regularly apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially during these high-risk months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siusega UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Faleula UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Apia UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Satapuala | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Mulifanua UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Asau UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |