Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Minas, Cuba, where the sun can be fierce and exposure levels vary significantly throughout the day. With its Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, staying informed about UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also protects long-term skin health. During peak hours, particularly from 11 AM to 1 PM, UV Index values can soar, reaching a maximum of 13, emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions to enjoy outdoor activities safely. Awareness of the UV Index empowers you to bask in the beauty of Minas while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index fluctuated throughout the day, starting off at a maximum of 1 between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, indicating minimal risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By 9:00 AM, it rose to 3, marking the beginning of a more intense sun. The midday peak occurred at 12:00 PM, with a high of 12, and reached an impressive 13 at 1:00 PM, signaling a very high risk for unprotected skin. As the afternoon progressed, levels gradually decreased, falling to 10 at 3:00 PM, and then tapering off to 3 by 5:00 PM. As the sun began to set, the UV Index dwindled to 1 by 7:00 PM, returning to a safer level. Be sure to protect your skin during those intense hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest values occurring from March to October, categorizing them under the extreme exposure category. Specifically, April and June record the peak UV Index of 13, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes during these months. Consequently, March through October represents the high-risk months for sun exposure, where protective measures are crucial. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety by wearing sunglasses, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during the midday hours when UV radiation is most intense. As the year progresses, November and December see a slight decline in UV levels, yet caution is still advisable, as burn times can remain as low as 15 minutes during November and 25 minutes in December.
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 |
| Minas | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 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 |