Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Sale'aula, Samoa, as it plays a significant role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate, UV levels can soar during midday, peaking at 10 around 1 PM, making it essential for locals and visitors alike to stay informed. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take proactive measures against harmful exposure, ensuring that your time under the sun remains safe and enjoyable. Remember, awareness is key to preserving your skin’s health in this sun-soaked paradise!
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 |
| 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 |