Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Palma Soriano, Cuba, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. As residents and visitors enjoy the region's warm climate, the UV levels can soar, especially during midday hours, leading to an increased risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV readings reaching a staggering 13 between 1 PM and 2 PM, it's vital to stay informed about these levels to make safe choices when outdoors. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and safeguard your skin against harmful effects, ensuring a healthy experience in this beautiful, sun-soaked paradise.
The UV Index for the day tells a fascinating story of rising intensity under the sun. Early risers at 07:00 and 08:00 experienced a mild UV Index of 1, perfect for leisurely outdoor activities. As the day progressed, the index climbed steadily, reaching a moderate 3 by 09:00. By 11:00, it surged to 9, marking the start of peak sun exposure. The sun blazed at 12:00, reaching a high of 12, and continued to shine at 13:00 with an impressive 13. Throughout the afternoon, the intensity began to retreat, falling to 12 by 14:00 and gently tapering to 9 at 15:00. By evening, the sun’s grip loosened, with the index dropping to 3 at 17:00 and finally returning to a gentle 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. A day filled with sunshine serves as a reminder to stay 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 | 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels show significant seasonal variation. The high-risk months are from February to October, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This poses a serious risk of skin damage, particularly in spring and summer. In contrast, the winter months (January, November, and December) still register as very high, with UV Index levels around 8 to 9, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to take protective measures during these high-risk periods, such as using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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 |
| Holguin UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Palma Soriano | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |