Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Tulagi, Solomon Islands, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can significantly help in preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Given Tulagi's tropical climate, where UV exposure can peak around noon with an intense index of 12, it's essential to stay informed about the daily UV fluctuations. Whether you're enjoying the beach or exploring the lush landscapes, knowing the UV Index empowers you to take the necessary precautions against harmful solar radiation.
During the day, the UV Index experiences a significant surge, peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The morning starts off relatively mild, with values of 1 at 7 AM, increasing steadily to 5 by 9 AM. As the clock approaches 10 AM, the index climbs to 8, and by 11 AM, it reaches an intensity of 11. The sun’s power begins to wane after 1 PM, dropping to 9 at 2 PM and then declining further to 6 by 3 PM. The afternoon shadows bring relief as the UV Index dwindles to 3 at 4 PM and falls to 1 by 5 PM before finally settling at 0 post 6 PM. It’s crucial to stay protected during those peak hours, especially between 11 AM and 1 PM!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences notable seasonal changes, remaining consistently high throughout the year. January to April sees a UV Index ranging from 15 to 16, classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into May and June, the index slightly decreases to 13 and 11, respectively, but still falls within the extreme category. July and August maintain this moderate level, before increasing again to 15 in September and October. Notably, November also returns to a UV Index of 15, tapering off slightly in December with an index of 14. The high-risk months for UV exposure are from January to October, where the potential for sunburn is critically high. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours to protect against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulagi | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Gizo UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Auki UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Malango UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Buala UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Honiara UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |