Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Pangai, Tonga, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine and elevated UV levels throughout the day. Being aware of UV exposure is essential for sunburn prevention and protecting skin health, especially as midday values can reach up to 7—a significant risk for anyone outdoors. With a typical pattern of increasing UV exposure from late morning to early afternoon, it’s important to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to enjoy the natural beauty of Pangai while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index for the day presents a dynamic profile, starting from a protective 0 at 07:00 and slowly rising throughout the morning. By 10:00, it reaches a moderate 4, escalating to a peak of 7 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating it’s time for sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index dips gradually; by 16:00, it falls to 2, and finally returns to 0 by 18:00. Plan your day accordingly—early morning and late evening are your best bets for sun exposure, while midday calls for care!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
12:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
15:00 | 4 | 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations throughout the year, with extreme levels persisting from January to April and September to November, where the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. The high-risk months are from January to April and September to November, when the UV Index remains at 12 or above, indicating a heightened risk of skin damage. In contrast, May to August sees a decrease in UV intensity, with May registering a very high index at 9, and July peaking at 15 again. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures during high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to ensure skin safety and overall health.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tatakamotonga UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Haveluloto UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Lapaha UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Nuku'alofa UVI | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
Pangai | 16 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
Neiafu UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |