Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Lakatoro, Vanuatu, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn, but also plays a significant role in maintaining overall skin health. With its tropical climate and intense sunlight, Lakatoro experiences peak UV Index values of 10 around midday, highlighting the importance of taking precautions during these hours. By staying informed about UV exposure risks, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential damage.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a notable peak from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, where it reaches a high of 10, indicating very high levels of UV radiation and a strong need for sun protection. This intense sunlight starts to build up at 9:00 AM with a reading of 5, escalating to 8 by 10:00 AM. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 at 2:00 PM, followed by a significant decrease back to 3 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the UV levels return to safe numbers, tapering off to 1 at 4:00 PM and 0 by 6:00 PM, prompting a welcome end to the day’s sun exposure. Always remember to take precautions during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels in the region indicate a significant variation in sun exposure, with the highest risk months being January to April, all categorized as extreme with an index of 16 and a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the season progresses into June and July, the index drops slightly to very high levels of 8 and 10, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, as we transition back into the late summer months of August and September, the UV exposure spikes again to extreme levels of 12 and 13, with a return to the abbreviated burn time of 10 minutes. The challenge continues into the late fall and winter months, where the UV Index remains high, ranging from 14 to 15. Given this data, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to take protective measures against UV exposure year-round, particularly during these high-risk months, by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isangel UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Port-Vila UVI | 16 | 16 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Lakatoro | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 15 |
| Norsup UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 15 |
| Luganville UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 15 |
| Port-Olry UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |