Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for the residents and visitors of Atafu Village, Tokelau, as it plays a crucial role in safeguarding skin health and preventing sunburn. High UV levels can lead to serious skin issues, making it imperative to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. With Atafu's tropical climate, residents often face peak UV exposure around midday, reaching an alarming level of 11 at noon. By being aware of the UV Index and its implications on safety during outdoor activities, the community can enjoy their beautiful surroundings while minimizing health risks.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a striking pattern of intensity that peaks at noon. Starting from a low of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the index rises gradually, reaching a moderate level of 4 by 09:00. The sun’s strength escalates dramatically, hitting 6 at 10:00, and skyrocketing to its highest point of 11 at 12:00—an indication to seek shade or apply sunscreen. The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values of 10 at 13:00 and 8 at 14:00, before gradually tapering off to 5 at 15:00, then further down to 3 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the index drops to a 1 at 17:00 and returns to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of UV exposure for the day. Be sure to stay protected during those peak hours when the sun is at its highest!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |