Last updated: June 2, 2025
In The Bottom, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you take proactive steps to prevent sunburn and maintain overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index soars to 13, indicating extreme risk for unprotected skin. With its tropical climate and abundant sunshine, The Bottom presents unique challenges; midday sun exposure significantly increases your risk of skin damage. Stay informed and safeguard your skin by keeping an eye on the UV Index when enjoying the sunny beauty of these islands.
The UV Index showcases a dynamic increase throughout the day, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 6 by 9:00 AM. The intensity becomes palpable by 11:00 AM with a sharp rise to 12, before hitting its zenith at 13 at noon, prompting caution for outdoor activities. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to decline, dipping to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually falling to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling safer conditions for evening strolls. It’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense!
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, the UV Index exhibits notable fluctuations, with high-risk months typically from February to October, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 14. In these months, the burn time is as brief as 10 minutes, necessitating increased caution. In January, November, and December, while the UV Index remains at a very high level of 9, individuals still face a burn time of 15 minutes, indicating a need for protection. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents should prioritize wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade regularly during these peak months, especially from midday to mid-afternoon when the sun's intensity is highest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Bottom | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Upper Hell's Gate UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Dorp Tera Kora UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Dorp Rincon UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Dorp Antriol UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Kralendijk UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |