Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Soufrière, Dominica, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. With the tropical climate typical of Soufrière, residents and visitors are often exposed to high UV radiation, particularly during midday when values can soar to 14. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from its damaging effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, indicating a cautious need for sun protection. The real intensity kicks in by 09:00, reaching 6, and peaks at a striking 14 at 12:00—the hour when the sun is at its zenith. With readings of 13 still prevalent from 11:00 to 13:00, it’s a vital time to stay protected! As afternoon settles in, the UV levels gradually taper off; they dip to 6 by 15:00 and descend further to 3 at 16:00. By evening, the risk diminishes significantly with a return to 1 at 17:00, rounding off the day as twilight approaches with a 0 reading by 19:00. Stay safe in the sun!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | 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 UVI | 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 |
Soufriere | 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 |