Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Cristobal, Cuba, a region known for its warm tropical climate. With UV levels reaching a peak of 12 during midday hours, awareness is important not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for protecting long-term skin health. Given that the Aw climate means ample sunshine year-round, staying informed about daily UV exposure risks helps individuals take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. By monitoring the UV Index, you can plan your activities accordingly and ensure you'll be safe under the Cuban sun.
The UVI hourly data presents an intriguing daily journey of sun exposure. Starting off gently at 07:00 and 08:00 with a UV Index of 1, the day begins in a low risk zone. As the sun climbs higher, 09:00 shows a slight increase to 2, paving the way for more significant highs. By 10:00, it escalates to 5, but the real peak arrives between 12:00 and 13:00, where the UV Index reaches 10 and a blistering 12, signaling the need for sun protection. As afternoon transitions to evening, a gradual decline occurs—15:00 registers 11, followed by a drop to 5 at 17:00, and finally retreating to 2 by 18:00 and 1 by 19:00. This data beautifully illustrates a vital reminder: although the sun gifts us warmth and light, it also demands respect, especially during its most potent hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the levels of UV radiation. From January to December, the UV Index fluctuates, peaking at a high of 13 from April to June, categorizing these months as part of the extreme exposure category, where the burn time is as short as 10 minutes. Notably, February and March also present high risks with indices of 10 and 11, respectively. November and December, while having lower values at 8 and 7, still fall into the very high to high categories, cautioning residents and visitors. It's crucial for everyone to take protective measures during the high-risk months (February to October) by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize exposure and prevent sunburn. Stay informed and safe by monitoring UV levels and adjusting outdoor activities accordingly.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havana UVI | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
| San Cristobal | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Camaguey UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Holguin UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Santiago de Cuba UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Guantanamo UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |