Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Portsmouth, Dominica, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at a blistering 14 around midday, understanding these indicators can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The sunny, tropical climate of Portsmouth brings not only beautiful days but also significant UV exposure risks, particularly during the late morning and early afternoon. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the stunning beaches and outdoor activities while protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.
The UV Index today showcases a dramatic rise in intensity as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting at a minimal 1 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily, peaking at an impressive 14 by 12:00, marking the day's highest point of sun exposure. From 11:00 to 13:00, when the UV Index registers between 12 and 13, it's crucial to protect your skin from potential damage. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to dip, settling back to 10 at 14:00 and gradually declining to 1 by 17:00, making the evening safer for outdoor activities. With a final reading of 0 at 19:00, the day's sunlight wanes, urging caution for those venturing out during peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with the most intense exposure occurring from February through October, where the index reaches levels categorized as extreme. During these months, particularly in March, April, May, July, and August, the UV Index peaks at 13 to 14, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. January, November, and December feature lower UV levels, classified as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Marigot UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Portsmouth | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Mahaut UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Roseau UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Berekua UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |