Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Saratamata, Vanuatu, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health in this tropical paradise. With UV levels peaking at 10 during midday, the risk of sunburn increases significantly, making awareness of these levels essential for both residents and visitors. The Af climate of Saratamata brings intense sunlight, especially from late morning to early afternoon, so knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen is vital for preventing skin damage. Stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy the beautiful Vanuatu sun safely!
The UV Index throughout the day showed a significant peak, reaching a maximum of 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, indicating a high level of solar radiation that calls for protection if you're outdoors. Mornings start gently with readings of 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually rising to 2 by 8:00 AM. As the day heats up, the index escalates to 5 at 9:00 AM, hitting 7 at 10:00 AM before its midday surge. After noon, UV exposure decreases, falling to 9 by 1:00 PM and continuing to decline through the afternoon, settled at 4 by 3:00 PM, and then diminishing further to 1 by 4:00 PM and beyond. Sunset brings the UV index down to 0, making late evening a safe time to enjoy the outdoors without concern for UV exposure. Remember, protecting your skin is essential during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from January to April, where the index remains consistently at 16 and classified as extreme, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains notably high during the summer months, particularly in August, where the index peaks at 12, but it drops slightly in June and July to 9 and 10 respectively, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. September through December sees a gradual decrease, maintaining an index between 14 and 15, still falling under the extreme category. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, particularly from January to April and again in August and September, by using ample sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to prevent skin damage from intense UV exposure.
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 |
| 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 |
| Saratamata | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |
| Port-Olry UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |