UV Index in Apatou, French Guiana

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Apatou, French Guiana, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding local UV levels is particularly important in this tropical climate, where exposure can peak dramatically, especially around midday. With UV Index values reaching a maximum of 14 between 12 PM and 1 PM, residents and visitors alike must take proactive measures to protect themselves from potential skin damage. Staying informed about the UV Index not only helps in planning outdoor activities but also promotes long-term skin health—essential in a region where the sun’s intensity is a constant concern.

Hourly UV Index in Apatou

The UV Index data unfolds a fascinating narrative of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting at a low of 1 at 07:00, the sun gradually awakens, with the index climbing to 2 by 08:00. A noticeable surge occurs between 09:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index rockets to a peak of 14, marking the sun's most potent hours. As the afternoon progresses, from 13:00 to 14:00, the index stabilizes at this zenith of 14, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. Thereafter, a gentle decline commences; the levels drop to 8 by 15:00 and continue to wane, reaching 1 by 18:00 and finally plummeting to 0 by 19:00. This rhythmic rise and fall of sunlight intensity clearly emphasizes the importance of staying sun-safe during those high UV periods!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	8	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Apatou

The UV Index throughout the year shows a consistent pattern of extreme exposure, with the highest values recorded between January and April, peaking at 16 in March and April. February follows closely with an index of 15. Although the index slightly declines to 12 by June and remains there until December, the burn time remains a brief 10 minutes across all months, highlighting a sustained risk of sunburn. High-risk months include January through April, emphasizing the need for caution during these periods. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to safeguard against harmful UV radiation at all times of the year.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Apatou, French Guiana

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Apatou. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Apatou, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Apatou UV Index with Other French Guiana Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Apatou compares to other major locations across French Guiana. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Apatou's solar exposure compared to other cities in French Guiana. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Matoury UVI	13	14	16	16	14	13	12	13	13	13	13	12
Remire-Montjoly UVI	13	14	16	16	14	13	12	13	13	13	13	12
Cayenne UVI	13	14	16	16	14	13	12	13	13	13	13	12
Kourou UVI	13	14	16	16	14	13	12	13	13	13	13	12
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni UVI	13	14	16	15	14	13	12	13	13	13	13	11
Apatou	13	15	16	16	14	12	12	13	13	13	13	12