UV Index in Cayenne, French Guiana

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Cayenne, French Guiana, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and promote long-term skin health. Given Cayenne's tropical Af climate, where the sun's intensity can peak dramatically—from a moderate index of 1 in the early morning to a severe 12 during midday—it's essential to know when to seek shade or apply sunscreen. With typical midday UV levels posing significant risks, being UV-aware helps ensure you can enjoy the sun safely while minimizing your risk of skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Cayenne

The UV Index for today displays a notable increase, reaching its peak at 12 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, signaling a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the day begins, the index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 4 by 9:00 AM. A sharp rise occurs by 10:00 AM, hitting 7, before soaring to an intense 10 at 11:00 AM. After the zenith from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the index gradually declines, dipping to 7 by 3:00 PM, then back down to 4 at 4:00 PM, before closing the day at 0 by 7:00 PM. With such elevated UV levels during the midday hours, it’s crucial to take precautions—seek shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to ensure safety while enjoying the outdoors!

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	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	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 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 Cayenne

Throughout the year, extreme UV levels persist in this region, with the highest UV Index recorded from February to April, peaking at 16. March and April are particularly noteworthy for their elevated risk, as average burn time remains consistent at just 10 minutes across months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. The consistent extreme exposure category across the year underscores the need for heightened awareness and protection against harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cayenne, French Guiana

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cayenne. 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 Cayenne, 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 Cayenne UV Index with Other French Guiana Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cayenne 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.

Cayenne'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
Cayenne	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
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