Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in English Harbour Town, Antigua and Barbuda, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine year-round. Monitoring UV levels is essential not only for protecting against painful sunburns but also for maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV exposure often reaching levels as high as 13 from noon to early afternoon, being informed about potential risks can help you enjoy the outdoors safely. In this picturesque coastal town, being aware of the UV Index allows you to take necessary precautions and embrace the sun with confidence!
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling a maximum level of sun intensity. Early morning hours start off mild, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 6 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, with a value of 12, before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, further falling to 3 by 16:00 and finally returning to a safe 1 by 17:00. As twilight approaches, the index settles to 0 after 19:00, providing a serene close to the day. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 |