UV Index in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Honiara, Solomon Islands. With its tropical Af climate, the city frequently experiences high UV levels, especially during midday hours, where values can reach a maximum of 12. Being aware of these levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, as excessive exposure can lead to serious long-term effects. As you plan your day in Honiara, keep an eye on the UV Index to enjoy the sun safely and make the most of its vibrant outdoor lifestyle.

Hourly UV Index in Honiara

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Honiara

Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains consistently high, with extreme levels observed from January to May and again in July, August, and September. The most critical months for UV exposure are January through April and July through September, where the index reaches as high as 16, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes. While June experiences a lower UV Index of 10 and a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, caution is still advised. As we transition into the fall and winter months (October to December), the UV Index remains elevated at 15, maintaining a 10-minute burn time. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Honiara, Solomon Islands

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Honiara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Honiara, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Honiara UV Index with Other Solomon Islands Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Honiara compares to other major locations across Solomon Islands. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Honiara's solar exposure compared to other cities in Solomon Islands. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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	16	16	16	15	12	10	12	14	15	15	15	15