Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sale’aula, Samoa, where the tropical climate brings significant sun exposure year-round. With UV levels peaking at a striking 9 during midday, awareness of these levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and promoting overall skin health. By recognizing the daily UV fluctuations, you can take timely precautions to safeguard your skin and enjoy the beautiful Samoan beaches while minimizing the risk of harmful sun damage. Stay informed and stay protected!
The UV Index for the day showcases a dynamic range of sun exposure, beginning with low levels of 1 from 07:00 to 08:00, making it a great time for morning activities. As the day progresses, the intensity ramps up, peaking at 9 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating that sun protection is a must during these hours. This is especially crucial for outdoor enthusiasts planning their midday excursions. As the afternoon fades into the evening, the UV levels decrease once again, dropping to 5 at 15:00, then tapering down to 1 by 17:00 through 19:00. Overall, it's a day where sun safety awareness is key, particularly from 11:00 to 14:00, ensuring everyone enjoys the outdoors responsibly!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 |
| 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 |
| Sale'aula | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |