Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Oistins, Barbados, where the tropical climate brings both sunshine and potential risks. With UV levels peaking throughout the day—reaching a high of 13 around noon—awareness can play a significant role in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin's health. By knowing when to seek shade and applying adequate sun protection, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of Oistins while minimizing the harmful effects of UV radiation. As you soak in its stunning beaches and warm breezes, take heed of the local climate's intensity and prioritize your well-being under the sun.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. By 08:00, it rises to 3, indicating moderate levels of UV radiation. The sun begins to assert its dominance by 09:00, with the index climbing to 7, pushing outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. 10:00 marks a significant peak at 10, and by 11:00, it reaches 12—a dangerous level where sun protection becomes crucial. The highest point occurs at 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to 13, suggesting that even brief exposure can lead to skin damage. From 13:00 to 14:00, it gently decreases to 12 and 9, respectively, but still warrants caution. As afternoon fades into evening, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. Finally, the sun's intensity dwindles in the early evening, with indices falling to 1 by 17:00, 1 at 18:00, and reaching a low of 0 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe under the sun!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking between February and September where it consistently reaches an extreme level, with values between 12 and 14 and a notably short burn time of just 10 minutes. April and September mark the highest recorded indices, both at 14, signifying these as critical months for sun exposure. In contrast, November and December have a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's intensity is greatest.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oistins | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Holetown UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Bathsheba UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Speightstown UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Bridgetown UVI | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |