Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for anyone living in or visiting Rio Grande, Dominican Republic. With its tropical climate, the region experiences intense sun exposure that can elevate UV levels significantly, especially during the midday hours. Knowing these levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health. For instance, during peak hours, the UV Index can reach as high as 13, indicating an extreme risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. Staying informed about UV levels empowers residents and tourists to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable time under the sun while minimizing skin damage.
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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, with the highest levels occurring from February to September. The most critical months for UV exposure are February, March, April, May, July, and August, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels (above 11) with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautions during these high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently. As the year progresses into the later months, while the UV Index decreases slightly, it is still advisable to remain vigilant, especially in November and December when the UV levels are at very high (9) and high (8), respectively, as 15-minute burn times can still pose a risk.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 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 |