Last updated: July 2, 2025
In El Cacao, Dominican Republic, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is not just about avoiding sunburn; it plays a vital role in preserving long-term skin health and preventing conditions like skin cancer. With an Af climate, El Cacao experiences intense sunlight and higher UV exposure, particularly in the midday hours, peaking at levels of 12 to 13. This means that even brief sun exposure during these times can lead to significant skin damage, making it essential to stay informed and take protective measures. Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly!
As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually escalates, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and peaking at an intense 13 by 13:00. The morning hours see a steady climb, reaching 10 at 11:00 and hitting a blistering 12 by noon. This peak intensity of 13 indicates high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index begins to decline, dropping to 8 at 15:00 and further to 5 by 16:00. By evening, it returns to a safer level, resting at 1 by 18:00 and remaining consistent until 19:00. Throughout the day, it's essential to stay informed and protect your skin, especially during those peak hours when the sun's rays are most potent.
| 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure fluctuates significantly, with high-risk months identified from February to September, when the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13, allowing for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Notably, March through August consistently maintain this high-risk designation, necessitating extra caution for visitors and residents alike. During the remaining months—January, November, and December—the UV Index ranges from 8 to 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes, indicating the need for ongoing sun protection, though the risk diminishes slightly. It is crucial for everyone to prioritize skin safety by utilizing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours, particularly in the spring and summer months.
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 |
| El Cacao | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |