Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Carmelita, Belize, where the tropical climate and high sun exposure can lead to significant risks if proper precautions aren't taken. The UV Index provides vital information about the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on a given day, helping individuals make informed decisions to protect their skin against sunburn and long-term health issues. With peak UV levels soaring to 13 during midday hours, it’s essential to recognize these fluctuations and plan outdoor activities accordingly to minimize skin damage. By being mindful of these UV risks, you can enjoy the beautiful Belizean sunshine while keeping your skin healthy and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, with a modest 2 at 07:00, reminding us to take it easy in the early hours. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling a slight increase in sun intensity. The real action starts at 09:00, where the index leaps to 6, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to soak up the rays. As we reach the peak at 12:00, the UV Index hits a sizzling 13, highlighting the importance of sun protection. The afternoon sees values gradually decreasing, with 12 at 13:00, tapering down to 9 by 14:00. As the sun dips lower, the index falls to 6 at 15:00 and further to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, we’re back to a mild 1, and as dusk settles in, the UV Index drops to a 0, signaling it's safe to enjoy the evening without sun concerns. Enjoy your day, but remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 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 experiences significant variations throughout the year, reaching its peak during the spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV levels start at 9 and escalate to 14 by April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a rapid decrease in burn time to just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues through May to October, where the UV Index remains at 12 to 13, maintaining the extreme classification and a burn time of 10 minutes. In November and December, the UV Index decreases to 9 and 8 respectively, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from February to October, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmelita | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Orange Walk UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| San Pedro UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Belize City UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| San Ignacio UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Belmopan UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |