Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Soufriere, Dominica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region’s tropical climate and often high UV exposure, understanding the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. For instance, locals and visitors alike should be particularly cautious between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV Index peaks at a staggering 14, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed empowers you to enjoy the beautiful sunshine safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it begins to escalate significantly, peaking at a striking 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This period marks the highest risk, urging caution under the midday sun. As the afternoon unfolds, the index steadily declines, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and further down to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels decrease to a mere 0 by 7:00 PM, highlighting the importance of sun safety during the day's peak hours. Stay protected!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 |