Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate, UV levels can soar, peaking at a remarkable 12 around noon, highlighting the importance of staying informed. Recognizing these levels allows residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures, ensuring outdoor enjoyment without the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Whether planning a day at the beach or a stroll through town, being aware of the UV index will help you protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Dominican sunshine responsibly.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index steadily rises, peaking at a staggering 13 by 1:00 PM, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Early morning hours start with a modest 1 at 7:00 AM, increasing to 2 by 8:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the index climbs to 7, and by 11:00 AM, it reaches 10, prompting serious sun protection measures. The intensity wanes in the afternoon, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, before descending further to 3 by 5:00 PM. As dusk approaches, the UV Index dwindles to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, leaving us with a stark reminder of the sun's power during peak hours in the middle of the day.
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, with the highest readings occurring from February through August, when the index typically peaks at 13, classified as extreme exposure. The months of March, April, May, and August are particularly high-risk, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the winter months of January and December present a lower risk, with a UV Index of 8, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Given the extreme UV levels during peak months, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, especially from February to August to mitigate the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Matas de Santa Cruz | 8 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| 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 |