Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Kirakira, Solomon Islands, a region known for its vibrant sunshine and tropical climate. With UV levels peaking at an intense 12 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is vital for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Ignoring the risks associated with high UV exposure can lead to severe consequences, including skin damage and increased cancer risks. By monitoring the UV Index, individuals can make informed decisions about sun protection throughout the day, ensuring they enjoy Kirakira's stunning beaches and outdoor activities safely.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic range of solar intensity, peaking at 12 around noon. Starting the day gently, the index registers a low 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, it reaches 5 by 9:00 AM, then surges to a robust 11 by 11:00 AM, signaling higher caution for outdoor activities. The peak at midday is a daunting 12, urging everyone to seek shade and wear protective gear. The intensity begins to taper off in the afternoon, dropping back to 8 at 2:00 PM and further to 5 by 3:00 PM. By the late afternoon, the index drops significantly to 1 at 5:00 PM and settles at 0 by 6:00 PM, giving a gentle reminder that the sun's might can vary dramatically throughout the day.
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
The UV Index data indicates that UV levels remain consistently high throughout the year, with extreme ratings from January to April and again from July to September. Notably, January, February, and March consistently feature an index of 16, signifying extreme exposure with a burn time of only 10 minutes. April shows only a slight drop to 15, while May decreases to 12. Despite this, June begins a transition to very high levels at 10 with a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. The subsequent months of July through September revert back to extreme levels ranging from 11 to 15. Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution during these months, especially from January to April and July to September, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure to avoid harmful effects.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirakira | 16 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| 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 |