Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sagua la Grande, Cuba, where the sun shines brightly in its tropical climate. The UV levels can significantly impact your skin health, with higher readings indicating a greater risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, during midday, the UV Index soars to a concerning 12, suggesting that protective measures are essential to ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors. Awareness of these levels helps you take appropriate precautions, allowing you to fully enjoy the vibrant surroundings without compromising your well-being.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index reveals a dramatic shift in sun intensity. Early hours, from 07:00 to 09:00, maintain a mild UV Index of 1 to 3, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. However, the sun climbs higher, and by 10:00, the index spikes to 6, signaling a shift. At 11:00, it reaches 9, and by noon, it peaks at a scorching 11, indicating high risk for unprotected skin. The intensity remains intense at 12:00 and 13:00, with both hours registering a 12—a clear call to seek shade or apply ample sunscreen. As the afternoon unfolds, the UV Index begins to wane, dropping to 9 at 15:00, then tapering down to 4 by 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV levels lighten to 2 at 18:00 and retreat to 1 by 19:00, marking the end of the day’s sunlit adventure. 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | 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 Index levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months primarily occurring from February through September. In February, the UV Index reaches a startling 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of only 15 minutes. The situation escalates in March and April, where the UV Index peaks at 12 and 13 respectively, classified as extreme, meaning that even minimal sun exposure can lead to skin damage in just 10 minutes. This extreme risk continues through late summer and into early fall, with sustained high values until October. As the UV Index drops back to 7 in January and December, these months still carry a high risk but offer slightly longer burn times of 25 minutes. It is essential for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, to mitigate potential skin damage.
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 |
| Sagua la Grande | 7 | 10 | 12 | 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 |