Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Willemstad, Curaçao, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With the island's tropical Aw climate, which brings significant sun exposure throughout the year, you may encounter UV Index levels peaking at 13 during midday hours. This makes it essential to be informed and take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable and safe outings in the beautiful Caribbean sun.
The UV Index on this particular day exhibits a striking pattern, peaking at 13 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Rising steadily from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, it escalates sharply to 11 by 11:00 AM and reaches its zenith at noon. After this intense midday exposure, the index begins to decline, falling to 5 by 4:00 PM, then gradually tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. It's a clear reminder to stay protected during those peak hours, especially when the sun is highest in the sky!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 5 | 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 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.
UV Risk Categories
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 |