Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Topes de Collantes, Cuba, a stunning destination with a tropical climate. With UV levels peaking around noon, reaching a maximum of 12, awareness becomes essential for sunburn prevention and skin health. The region's high-altitude beauty comes with increased exposure to harmful UV rays, making it important to stay informed about daily UV levels. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes while protecting your skin from the sun's damaging effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at a manageable 1 from 07:00 to 08:00. However, things heat up quickly as we move into the late morning; by 10:00, it spikes to 5, reaching 8 at 11:00. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, with an impressive index of 11, closely followed by 12 at 13:00 and 14:00—the sun is at its strongest! A gradual decrease follows, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and continuing down to 4 at 17:00. As the day winds down, the index relaxes further to 2 at 18:00 and returns to a safe 1 by 19:00. It's clear that today's UV risk peaks around midday, so remember to stay protected during those exposed hours!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from March to October, where exposure categories reach extreme status. March through August sees consistently high UV Index ratings of 12-13, resulting in a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious during these months, as the risk of sunburn is substantial. January and February also pose a risk with UV Index values near 10, categorized as very high, leading to a burn time of 15 minutes. As the seasons transition into November and December, the UV Index drops, but care should still be exercised. November has a UV Index of 9 (very high) with a burn time of 15 minutes, and December sees a further decrease to 7 (high), allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. To ensure safety, it is advisable to wear sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing during the high-risk months, especially from March to October when sun exposure can lead to serious skin damage in a short amount of time.
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 |
| Camaguey UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
| Topes de Collantes | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 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 |