Last updated: July 2, 2025
In English Harbour Town, Antigua and Barbuda, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful radiation. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. With a tropical climate that typically exposes residents and visitors to high UV levels—peaking at a dangerous index of 14 around noon—knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference. As you enjoy the stunning beaches and vibrant culture, keep an eye on the UV Index to ensure your time under the sun is both safe and enjoyable.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its gradual ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 3, encouraging early risers to don some sunscreen. The intensity climbs sharply, peaking at an intense 14 by 12:00 PM, and staying robust at 13 until 1:00 PM. After this midday high, the index steadily declines, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM, and to a gentle 1 by 5:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV Index returns to its lowest point of 0 by 7:00 PM, marking a clear reminder of the sun's powerful rays and the importance of protection during 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index experiences significant fluctuations, with extreme levels prevalent from February through October. The highest risk months are March and July, where the UV Index peaks at 13 and 14, respectively, necessitating cautious sun exposure practices. For residents and visitors, it's crucial to stay informed about daily UV levels, especially during these high-risk months, and to adopt protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate clouds; thus, it’s vital to remain vigilant throughout the year as burn times range from 10 to 15 minutes depending on the month.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
English Harbour Town | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Bolands UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Liberta UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Piggotts UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
All Saints UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Saint John's UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |