Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Iracoubo, French Guiana, where the tropical climate brings with it intense sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential for protecting yourself from harmful effects, such as sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peak UV Index readings reaching as high as 14 during midday, it’s vital to stay informed and take precautions. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or simply commuting, being mindful of the UV Index can help you maintain healthy skin while navigating the beautiful yet sun-drenched environment of Iracoubo.
The UV Index displays a dramatic rise throughout the morning and peaks at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking the highest intensity of the day. Beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates quickly, reaching 12 by 11:00 AM and encouraging sun safety measures. After hitting its zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM before easing further to 2 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays can be most harmful.
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 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains exceptionally high in this region, peaking at 16 during both March and April, categorizing these months as high-risk for UV exposure. The extreme exposure category applies from January through May, with consistent burn times of just 10 minutes, indicating that prolonged sun exposure can lead to severe skin damage. While the UV Index slightly decreases during the summer months, it remains at a concerning level, particularly during February to May. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures by wearing sunscreen, long sleeves, and UV-blocking sunglasses, especially during these high-risk months to minimize the risk of skin damage. Regular checks of the UV Index are recommended to stay informed and safe.
UV Risk Categories
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 |
Iracoubo | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 |