Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Minas de Matahambre, Cuba, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With its warm, tropical Aw climate, residents and visitors need to be aware of the intense UV exposure common during midday hours. The UV Index can reach levels as high as 12 between noon and 2 PM, signaling an urgent need for sun protection to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. By keeping an eye on the UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sun while staying safe and healthy.
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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant variations, peaking during the late spring and summer months. Notably, March through October are identified as high-risk periods, with UV Index values ranging from 11 to 13—indicating extreme exposure levels. During these months, the average burn time is as short as 10 minutes, necessitating vigilant sun protection measures. In contrast, January and February feature a very high UV Index of 8 to 10, with a burn time of 15 minutes—still warranting caution. As winter approaches, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 7 in December, with a burn time of 25 minutes, signaling a slightly reduced risk. Visitors and residents should take proactive precautions, particularly from March to October, by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
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 de Matahambre | 8 | 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 |