Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for everyone in Sabana Westpunt, Curaçao, where the tropical BSh climate brings substantial sun exposure throughout the year. With UV levels peaking at around 13 during midday hours, awareness of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. By grasping the implications of varying UV indices, residents and visitors alike can take informed steps to protect themselves against the potentially harmful effects of the sun, ensuring safe enjoyment of the island’s beautiful outdoors.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers enjoying the fresh morning air. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 5, signaling it's time to think about sun protection. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, when the index hits a scorching 13, marking the sun’s most aggressive rays. For the next hour, it remains at this intense level before gradually declining through the afternoon: 11 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 3:00 PM, and finally down to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, then to a calming 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a warm evening to unwind. Enjoy the day, but remember to shield yourself during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows extreme levels of solar radiation from January to October, with values peaking at 14 in March, April, and June. This indicates that the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is significant, with a burn time of just 10 minutes during these high-risk months. February and May also maintain a UV Index of 12 and 13, respectively, making them crucial months for sun protection. While December sees a slight drop in UV levels, it remains at a very high exposure category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting direct sunlight exposure, especially during peak hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sabana Westpunt | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Dorp Soto UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Barber UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Sint Michiel Liber UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 |
Willemstad UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |