Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the tropical paradise of Apia, Samoa, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially given the city's warm climate and abundant sunshine. With UV Index values peaking at 9 around midday, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant. As the sun climbs higher, awareness of UV radiation risks becomes essential to enjoy the beautiful Samoan outdoors safely.
Get ready for a sunny day as the UV Index climbs throughout the morning and peaks in the afternoon! Starting gently at a low level of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise steadily. By 09:00, it reaches 3, and things heat up significantly by 10:00 with a 5. The real sun-seeker moments hit between 11:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index soars to a maximum of 9, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day begins to wind down, the index gradually declines, dropping to 7 by 14:00 and falling further to 5 at 15:00. By the time evening arrives, the UV Index retreats to a low level of 1 at 17:00, finally fading to 0 after 18:00. Remember to lather on sunscreen and stay hydrated during those peak hours!
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 | 0 | 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apia | 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 |
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 |