Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Honiara, Solomon Islands, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by high solar exposure, Honiara experiences peak UV levels, particularly between 11 AM and 1 PM, when the index can reach a staggering 10. Awareness of these UV levels not only promotes responsible sun exposure but also empowers individuals to enjoy the beautiful beaches while reducing the risk of harmful effects associated with excessive sun exposure. Stay informed and protect your skin in paradise!
The UV Index throughout the day showcased a dynamic pattern, peaking sharply during the midday hours. Beginning at a low of 1 at 07:00, it steadily climbed, reaching 2 by 08:00. A significant surge occurred between 09:00 and 12:00, where it soared to an impressive 10 at its highest, indicating very high exposure risk. The intensity began to wane post-lunch, dropping to 8 at 14:00, and declining further to 5 and then 2 by late afternoon. As evening approached, the index fell to 1 at 17:00 and eventually settled at 0 after 18:00, signaling a retreat from the sun's harmful rays. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00, call for protective measures!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
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.
UV Risk Categories
| 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 |