Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Savave Village, Tuvalu, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Recognizing UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. Savave experiences significant UV exposure, particularly between late morning and early afternoon, with peaks reaching a high of 11 around midday. Being aware of these levels helps the community make informed decisions about sun protection, allowing everyone to enjoy the sunny days safely.
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!
| 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in the region remains consistently high, peaking in early months. From January to April, the UV Index remains at an extreme level of 15-16, indicating that even minimal exposure can result in sunburn in just 10 minutes. May marks a slight dip to 13, but the risk remains significant. As summer approaches, June and July see a proportional decrease with a UV Index of 11, though caution is still essential. Rebounding slightly in August and September, the index rises back to 13-14, before returning to 14 in November and December. Given this data, visitors and residents should exercise extreme caution during these high-risk months, especially from January to April, and utilize sun protection measures like sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade to minimize harmful effects from UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funafuti UVI | 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 | 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 |