UV Index in Funafuti, Tuvalu

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Funafuti, Tuvalu is crucial for protecting your health under the tropical sun. With its warm Af climate, the island experiences significant UV exposure, especially from late morning to early afternoon when levels can soar to 11. Awareness of UV levels matters not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. By paying attention to the UV Index, residents and visitors can make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful Pacific paradise.

Hourly UV Index in Funafuti

As the day unfolds, the UV Index reaches its peak between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 11. The morning starts gently, with the index at a modest 1 by 7:00 AM, slowly climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. The sun then intensifies, pushing the index to a strong 10 at 11:00 AM, signaling it's time to seek shade and protect your skin. By 2:00 PM, it begins to wane, dropping to 8, and further decreases to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the index continues to fall, reaching 2 at 4:00 PM, and finally settling at 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 as the sun sets at 6:00 PM. Stay aware and shield yourself during those crucial midday hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	10	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	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Funafuti

The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, particularly from January to April, where it reaches an extreme level of 16, indicating a significant risk for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend continues with only a slight reduction in May and June, where the index ranges from 11 to 13. Notably, July and August see a return to a UV Index of 11 and 13, respectively, before ramping up again in the fall months of September to October, peaking at 15 in October. November and December also maintain an extreme rating with an index of 14. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially during the high-risk months of January through April and ensure adequate sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Funafuti, Tuvalu

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Funafuti. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Funafuti, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Funafuti UV Index with Other Tuvalu Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Funafuti compares to other major locations across Tuvalu. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Funafuti's solar exposure compared to other cities in Tuvalu. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Funafuti	16	16	16	15	13	11	11	13	14	15	14	14
Motufoua School UVI	15	16	16	15	13	11	11	13	14	15	15	14
Savave Village UVI	15	16	16	15	13	11	11	13	14	15	14	14
Toga Village UVI	15	16	16	16	13	11	11	13	14	15	14	14
Tanrake Village UVI	15	16	16	15	13	11	11	13	14	15	14	14