Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Clara, Cuba, where the tropical climate can lead to significant sun exposure. With peaks reaching up to 13 during midday hours, having a keen awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. As the sun’s intensity can vary throughout the day, recognizing when it’s most dangerous allows for safer outdoor activities. Whether strolling through the vibrant streets or enjoying the breathtaking beaches, staying informed about UV risks helps ensure a sunny experience without the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its climb from a mild 1 at 07:00, fostering a gentle start. By 09:00, it picks up speed, reaching 3, before peaking at a striking 13 between 13:00 and 14:00, signifying a moment of intense sun exposure. The midday sun truly asserts its power at 12:00, with a peak UV Index of 11, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually dips, settling back to a comfortable range of 6 by 16:00, and then tapering off to 1 by 19:00, guiding evening strolls under a softer sun. Make sure to protect your skin during the peak hours, especially from 11:00 to 14:00 when the sun is at its strongest!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | 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 the highest risk occurring from March to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches its peak at 13, categorized as extreme, resulting in a burn time of only 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for heightened sun protection. February also presents a high risk with an Index of 10 and a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year transitions, January and December have a lower UV Index of 7 (high), allowing for longer exposure times of 25 minutes, yet caution is still advised. Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to adopt sun safety measures, especially during the high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun 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 |
| Santa Clara | 7 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 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 |