Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both residents and visitors looking to enjoy the sun safely. This information helps in sunburn prevention and promotes long-term skin health by raising awareness of potentially harmful UV levels. With its tropical Aw climate, Punta Cana experiences high solar radiation, particularly around midday, where UV Index levels soar to a maximum of 13. Being informed allows you to take necessary precautions, ensuring your time in this beautiful paradise is both enjoyable and safe from the sun’s harsh effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. Things heat up significantly by 9:00 AM, reaching a 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, soaring to a striking 9. The peak of the day arrives around 12:00 PM, where it reaches a blistering 13, sustained until 1:00 PM. After this peak, the UVI starts to decline steadily, dropping to an 8 by 3:00 PM, and then tapering off to calmer levels: 4 at 4:00 PM, 2 by 5:00 PM, and finally winding down to just 1 at 6:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV threat vanishes entirely, settling at 0. This dynamic timeline reminds us to protect our skin during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.
| 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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | 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 | 4 | 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 experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with the highest levels occurring from February to September. During these months, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, resulting in a critical burn time of just 10 minutes—indicating a heightened risk for sunburn and skin damage. January, November, and December still present very high UV levels (9 and 8), but with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during high UV months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of harmful exposure. Stay vigilant and prioritize skin safety year-round!
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago de los Caballeros UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Santo Domingo Oeste UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Santo Domingo UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Santo Domingo Este UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| San Pedro de Macoris UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| Punta Cana | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |