Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Samamea, Samoa, as it plays a crucial role in protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate that often showcases high sun exposure, especially during midday hours when the UV Index peaks at 9, awareness of UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun safety. Protecting yourself from harmful UV rays not only enhances your outdoor experience but also significantly reduces the risk of long-term skin issues. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a beach or exploring the lush landscapes, being mindful of the UV Index will ensure you enjoy the beautiful Samamea weather while keeping your skin safe.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index steadily climbs, presenting a dynamic shift from the early morning hours. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index makes a notable leap to 3 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith around 12:00, peaking at an intense 9, where sun protection becomes essential. The afternoon hours show a slight retreat, descending to 5 by 15:00, before tapering off in the late evening. As daylight wanes, the UV Index drops back to 1 by 17:00, eventually reaching 0 just after sunset. This hourly data underscores the importance of being sun-smart during the peak midday hours for optimal skin protection.
| 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 | 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 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samamea | 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 |