Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sale'a'aumua, Samoa, given the region's tropical climate and intense sunlight throughout the day. With UV levels peaking around midday—reaching as high as 9—awareness is essential to prevent sunburn and maintain skin health. The daily UV Index not only helps you gauge the right time for outdoor activities but also informs you when to seek shade or apply sunscreen, ensuring that your time in this beautiful paradise is both enjoyable and safe.
The hourly UV Index displays an intriguing pattern throughout the day. **Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity begins to rise steadily. By 10:00 AM, it escalates to a more significant 5, reaching its peak of 9 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—a time when sun protection is crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips, dropping to 4 at 3:00 PM and further decreasing to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, it settles at 0 after 6:00 PM, indicating a comfortable evening for outdoor activities. Stay vigilant! Understanding these UV levels can help you 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 | 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 shows significant variations throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels primarily in the winter and early spring months. From January to May, the UV Index consistently ranges from 11 to 16, indicating high-risk months, particularly during January to April when burn time is just 10 minutes. In June and July, the Index lowers to 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, levels rise again in August, September, and October, all falling within the extreme category, with burn times reverting to 10 minutes. To ensure safety, residents and visitors alike are advised to limit sun exposure during these high-risk months, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen consistently when outdoors.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sale'a'aumua | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
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 |
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 |