Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, is crucial for safeguarding your skin’s health in a tropical climate known for its vibrant sun. With UV levels peaking between 11 AM and 1 PM, awareness of these fluctuations can help you take vital steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. As you enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, knowing the UV Index empowers you to protect yourself effectively against the risks posed by high UV exposure in this sunny region. Regularly checking UV levels ensures you can enjoy the remarkable beauty of Tonga while keeping your skin safe.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index starts off at a safe 0, perfect for those early morning routines. By 08:00, it nudges up to 1, indicating minimal risk. However, by 09:00, the intensity picks up to 2, signaling a gentle reminder to apply sunscreen if you're heading outdoors. The UV levels reach their peak at 12:00 and 13:00, soaring to a robust 7, which calls for careful sun protection measures. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines—6 at 14:00, then tapering to 4 by 15:00. The sun begins its descent, dropping back to 2 by 16:00 and further dwindling to 1 at 17:00 before finally retreating to 0 by 18:00 and into the evening. It's a beautiful day, but remember, the sun's rays are strongest during midday!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 variation, with the highest levels occurring from January to April, where the index reaches extreme levels (15-16) and a burn time of only 10 minutes. November and December also present extreme UV conditions. May marks a transition to very high levels (UV Index 9), with a burn time extending to 15 minutes, while June to August see a decrease in UV intensity yet maintain very high levels, particularly in July and August. As September through October approach extreme levels again, it’s crucial for residents and visitors to take precautions year-round. Sunscreen, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) are highly advised, especially during the high-risk months of January to April and September to November.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuku'alofa | 16 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 |
| 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 |
| Neiafu UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 |