Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sola, Vanuatu, where the tropical climate brings a heightened risk of sun exposure. With UV levels peaking at a blistering 10 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it's essential to stay informed to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. By grasping the daily UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely. Sola’s Af climate means long, bright afternoons, making awareness of UV risks all the more important for ensuring your time outdoors remains enjoyable and sunburn-free.
The UV Index chart for the day paints a vivid picture of changing sun exposure. Starting off gentle at 1 at 07:00, it quickly rises to 2 by 08:00. The intensity escalates as the clock strikes 09:00, hitting 5, but the real peak arrives at 11:00 and 12:00, soaring to a strong 10—a clear signal to slather on that sunscreen! By mid-afternoon, the index begins its descent, sliding to 9 at 13:00 and tapering off to 4 by 15:00. As the sun begins to set, the UV index drops to 2 at 16:00, and finally retreats to 1 at 17:00. The day concludes with no UV exposure after 18:00, allowing for a safe evening outdoors.
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 4 | 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, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with extreme categories dominating the early months and later in the year. January through April consistently show a very high UV Index of 16, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. In May, the risk slightly decreases to 11, but remains in the extreme category. As summer approaches, June and July present a transition to the very high category with lower UV indices of 9 and 10 respectively, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. However, August, September, October, and November see a return to extreme levels, with UV indices ranging from 14 to 15 and burn times of 10 minutes. December mirrors this trend with a UV index of 15. Visitors and residents alike are advised to take precautionary measures year-round, particularly from January to April and August to November, ensuring adequate sun protection to prevent skin damage during these high-risk months.
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 |
| Port-Olry UVI | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |
| Sola | 16 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 15 |