Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Oranjestad, part of the stunning islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate that often sees high UV exposure, understanding UV levels helps prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The UV Index peaks at an intense 13 around noon, making midday particularly hazardous for those outdoors. By staying informed about these UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oranjestad | 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 |