When does Pāpa‘aloa need sun protection?

Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Pāpa‘aloa that is every day of the year. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.

Does Pāpa‘aloa need sun protection in winter?

Usually yes. At 20.0°N, winter middays in Pāpa‘aloa still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.

Can you burn on a cool day in Pāpa‘aloa?

Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Pāpa‘aloa can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.

UV index in Pāpa‘aloa today

Pāpa‘aloa is an inland Hawaii suburb at 20.0°S. Typical summer peaks of 12–14 (extreme) arrive whether the day feels scorching or merely mild. This is tropical latitude: the UV index stays high on most days and does not take a winter off.

Live reading · data by Open-Meteo · reference monitoring by ARPANSA

Today and tomorrow in Pāpa‘aloa

Peak UV, temperature and conditions for Pāpa‘aloa. Tomorrow’s peak is the number to plan around if you’re heading out in the middle of the day.

Weather conditions right now

Cloud and rain cut heat more than they cut UV. A partly cloudy day in Pāpa‘aloa can still sit at protection levels. Why you burn on cloudy days.

When Pāpa‘aloa needs sun protection

Sun protection is needed in Pāpa‘aloa every day of the year. Inland heat or a cool change does not change the UV index; go by the number, not how the day feels.

The threshold, per SunSmart and ARPANSA: whenever UV reaches 3 or above, Slip on covering clothing, Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on sunglasses. Read the full sun safety guide.

The UV scale at a glance

0–2Low
3–5Moderate
6–7High
8–10Very high
11+Extreme

Frequently asked questions

When does Pāpa‘aloa need sun protection?: Whenever the UV index is 3 or above. In Pāpa‘aloa that is every day of the year. The EPA Sun Safety action steps apply at the same threshold used worldwide.
Does Pāpa‘aloa need sun protection in winter?: Usually yes. At 20.0°N, winter middays in Pāpa‘aloa still commonly reach UV 3 or higher. Check today's live reading on this page before a long lunch outside.
Can you burn on a cool day in Pāpa‘aloa?: Yes. UV is not heat. A cool, windy or lightly cloudy day in Pāpa‘aloa can still sit at UV 3 or above, especially from spring through autumn. Temperature on this page is for context only; the UV number is what decides protection.