Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Afega, Samoa, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. With its tropical climate, Afega experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can soar up to 11. Being aware of UV levels helps residents and visitors take proactive measures against sunburns and long-term skin damage. As you plan your day in this beautiful island paradise, remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 2 PM, making it crucial to check the UV Index regularly to enjoy the sunshine safely.
The UV Index reveals a dynamic pattern throughout the day, peaking during the midday hours. At 07:00, the index starts low at 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. Things heat up significantly by 10:00, soaring to 7, and reaching its maximum of 11 at 12:00 and 13:00—the perfect time for sun protection. As the afternoon sets in, the index gracefully declines, dropping to 8 at 14:00, then tapering off to 5 by 15:00, and further down to 3 at 16:00. By the time evening arrives, the UV Index returns to a safe 1 at 17:00 and further diminishes to 0 by 19:00. This fluctuation underscores the importance of vigilant sun safety, especially during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the first half with extreme levels from January to April and maintaining high levels in August and September. Notably, the high-risk months include January through April and August through October, where UV exposure categories consistently indicate extreme risk. Residents and visitors should exercise caution during these months, limiting sun exposure to less than 10 minutes, especially during the peak hours of sunlight. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade to minimize the risk of harmful UV damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Afega | 16 | 16 | 16 | 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 |