Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Atafu Village, Tokelau, where the sun's intensity can reach alarming levels. With daily UV values peaking at 10 around noon, awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The Af climate of Atafu means that inhabitants are often exposed to high UV radiation, particularly during midday hours. By knowing the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safely enjoy the beautiful outdoors while minimizing the risk of skin damage.
The UV Index data tells an intriguing story of sun exposure throughout the day. Starting from a gentle rise at 07:00, where the index is merely at 1, it steadily climbs. By 09:00, it spikes to 3, but the real surge begins around 10:00, reaching 6. The sun reaches its zenith at 12:00 and 13:00, where it peaks at an impressive 10, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon fades, the index drops to 9 at 14:00, eventually falling to 6 by 15:00. The day's end brings relief as the index plummets back to 1 by 17:00, and a tranquil 0 at 19:00, signifying the retreat of the sun. Stay sun-safe and enjoy the daylight, but keep an eye on that UV Index!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 | 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 |