Last updated: July 2, 2025
In La Palma, Cuba, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health, especially in a region characterized by a warm tropical climate. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you avoid sunburn and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely. With UV exposure ramping up to a peak Index of 12 in midday hours, it's essential to stay informed about the risks and take necessary precautions during your outdoor activities. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the picturesque landscape, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in achieving healthy sun exposure.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at 1 by 7:00 AM, indicating low risk for sun exposure. It gradually creeps up, reaching 2 by 9:00 AM, and begins to climb more steeply from 10:00 AM, peaking at a striking 12 between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. During this time, the risk level is high, so protective measures are essential. The Index decreases in the late afternoon, dropping to 5 by 5:00 PM and returning to a low 1 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that midday is when the sun’s intensity is at its strongest, serving as an important reminder to stay safe and protected during those peak 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 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
La Palma | 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 |