Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Swetes, Antigua and Barbuda. Monitoring UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining long-term skin health amidst the tropical sun. With a climate that embraces warm, sunny days, Swetes often experiences high UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index can soar to 14. Being aware of these levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while taking necessary precautions to protect your skin from harmful effects. Stay informed and stay safe under the Caribbean sun!
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Swetes | 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 |