Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Port-Vila, Vanuatu, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the tropical Af climate, residents and visitors alike face varying levels of UV exposure throughout the day, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. Understanding these UV levels—from a moderate index of 4 in the late morning to a high peak of 8 around noon—empowers you to make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences in this beautiful island paradise.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it nudges up to 2, but the real surge begins as we approach midday. At 09:00, it reaches 4, and by 10:00, it hits 6—a clear sign to apply that sunscreen! The peak UV intensity occurs from 11:00 to 12:00, where it soars to an impressive 8, making it crucial to seek shade and wear protective clothing. As the afternoon rolls in, the index gradually decreases—7 at 13:00, 5 at 14:00, before plunging to 2 by 15:00. Finally, from 16:00 to 19:00, the UV Index dwindles down to 1 and finally 0, marking the end of a day where sun safety was paramount during those peak hours. Stay vigilant under the sun!
| 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 14:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 15:00 | 2 | low | 45 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 exhibit seasonal variations, with certain months presenting a higher risk for skin damage. January through April see extremely high UV levels, peaking at 16, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. As we transition into May and June, the risk slightly lowers to very high levels (UV index 10 and 8, respectively), allowing for longer exposure times of 15 minutes. However, July through September continue to show elevated UV indices, particularly August, which returns to an extreme level of 12. As we move into the fall, October and November maintain high UV ratings, ultimately returning to extreme levels of 14 and 15 respectively, with persistent burn times of 10 minutes. Given this data, it's essential for residents and visitors alike to take precautions — wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak hours, especially from January to April and during August to November, to mitigate the risk of 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 | 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 |
| Port-Olry UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |