Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Guatapanal, Dominican Republic, where the tropical climate leads to higher sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at a striking 12 during midday, awareness of these levels can significantly influence sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By knowing when the sun's rays are most intense, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the stunning beauty of Guatapanal safely. Embrace the sun wisely!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at just 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, its intensity increases rapidly, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and striking 10 by 11:00 AM—a clear warning to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. The highest reading of 12 occurs at both noon and 1:00 PM, indicating peak solar intensity. Fortunately, as afternoon approaches, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM and further declining to below 5 by 4:00 PM. By the time 7:00 PM rolls around, the UV danger has diminished significantly, settling back to a safe 1. Stay protected during those intense midday hours!
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 | 12 | 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Guatapanal | 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 |