Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the sun-kissed paradise of Speightstown, Barbados, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels is crucial, as they can lead to sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when levels can peak at a staggering 13, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to safeguard their skin. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the beautiful Barbadian sunshine safely!
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speightstown | 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 |
| Oistins 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 |