Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sun exposure, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar as high as 13. By keeping track of UV levels throughout the day, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant culture of Santa Cruz del Norte while minimizing your risk of skin damage.
At dawn, the UV Index starts off low, peaking at 1 during the early hours, perfect for a gentle morning stroll. As the sun rises higher, intensity builds rapidly, with the index climbing to 3 by 9:00 AM and reaching 5 by mid-morning. The real intensity hits at 12:00 PM, where the UV Index spikes to a scorching 11—a clear indication that it's time to seek shelter or apply sunscreen. The peak occurs between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, reaching 13, before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. By 4:00 PM, the index drops to 7, allowing for safer outdoor activities. As evening approaches, the levels descend further to 1 by 7:00 PM, making it a pleasant time to enjoy the outdoors, but be cautious during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its most intense!
| 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk occurring from February to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels (11-13), particularly noticeable in March, April, and June, where the burn time is as low as 10 minutes. Even in May and July, the UV remains at 12. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant from March through September, applying sunscreen frequently, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn. As the seasons transition, the UV Index drops to high levels in January and December, and very high in late fall (October and November), with burn times of 15-25 minutes, but caution is still advised during these months as well. Be proactive in protecting your skin year-round.
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 |
| Santa Cruz del Norte | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 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 |