Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the beautiful town of Asau, Samoa, understanding the UV Index is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn. The UV Index indicates the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can pose serious risks, especially during midday when levels peak at a remarkable 10. With a tropical climate and ample sunshine, Asau experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, making it essential to stay informed and take protective measures. By being aware of UV levels, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding their skin health against long-term damage.
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 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |