UV Index in Willemstad, Curaçao

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Willemstad, Curaçao, where the sun shines brightly in a tropical climate year-round. With UV levels peaking at 14 around noon, knowing how to protect your skin is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. In this vibrant city, the risk of harmful UV exposure is significant, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM when the sun's intensity is at its highest. Don't let the beauty of Curaçao's beaches catch you off guard—stay informed and enjoy the sun safely!

Hourly UV Index in Willemstad

The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, starting off gentle at 1 by 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to a peak of 14 around 12:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index thrives at 14, indicating intense solar radiation that calls for protective measures. This high intensity lingers until 1:00 PM before slowly tapering off, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM. The afternoon sun provides a more moderate exposure, with the index decreasing to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely, especially during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Willemstad

Throughout the year, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal variations, with extreme levels consistently observed from January to November. High-risk months are primarily from February to May, where the UV Index peaks at 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. While June to October maintains a stable UV Index of 13, the burn time remains critical at 10 minutes. Only in December does the index dip to 10 (very high), extending the burn time to 15 minutes. Therefore, it is essential for both visitors and residents to prioritize sun protection measures—such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially from February to May.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Willemstad, Curaçao

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Willemstad. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Willemstad, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Willemstad UV Index with Other Curaçao Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Willemstad compares to other major locations across Curaçao. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Willemstad's solar exposure compared to other cities in Curaçao. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sabana Westpunt UVI	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	11	12	14	14	14	13	13	13	13	13	11	10