Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Atafu Village, Tokelau, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, the UV exposure levels can reach their peak between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, where the index rises to a maximum of 12—indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to protect themselves, ensuring they enjoy the abundant sunshine while safeguarding their skin from potential damage. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or engaging in outdoor activities, knowing the UV levels helps you stay safe and healthy under the Samoan sun.
Throughout the day, the UV Index experiences a dramatic rise and fall, peaking at 12 between noon and 1 PM. Early in the morning, from 7 AM to 9 AM, the index remains low, with values around 1 to 4, making it a safe time for outdoor activities. However, as the sun climbs higher, the index surges to 11 at 11 AM, warning of very high UV exposure. This intensity reaches its zenith at 12 PM, urging everyone to seek shade and protect their skin. Fortunately, the index starts to decline after 2 PM, dropping to 3 by 4 PM and falling to 0 by evening. Remember these fluctuations when planning your outdoor adventures to ensure you're prepared for the sun's intensity!
| 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 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 shows a consistent pattern of extreme exposure levels from January through May, peaking at 16 in both February and March, indicating that the risk of overexposure and sunburn is critical during these months with a burn time of just 10 minutes. As summer approaches, the index slightly declines, with lower values reaching a maximum of 11 in June and 10 in July. However, even during these months, July is classified as very high, with a burn time extending to 15 minutes. As the year progresses toward autumn, the values climb again, with September through November experiencing extreme conditions at 14. Residents and visitors should exercise caution, especially from January to April and during August and September, wearing appropriate sun protection such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to mitigate the risk of UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fale old settlement UVI | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
| Nukunonu UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 |
| Atafu Village | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 |