Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Sola, Vanuatu is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical Af climate, residents and visitors are often exposed to elevated UV levels, particularly from late morning to early afternoon when the index peaks at a striking 11 around noon. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing the risks associated with overexposure. Remember, even on seemingly mild days, UV levels can fluctuate dramatically, making it essential to stay informed and prepared!
The UV Index for the day displays a striking pattern of intensity, peaking at 11 around 12:00 PM. Early morning hours start on a low note, with a maximum of only 1 at 07:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, the index escalates rapidly, hitting 6 by 09:00 AM and soaring to an impressive 10 at 11:00 AM. From there, it reaches its apex at 12:00 PM, before gradually declining in the afternoon. By 3:00 PM, the index drops to 3, further decreasing to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 6:00 PM, indicating a much safer level as the day winds down. It’s a clear reminder to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | 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 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 |