Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Gonaives, Haiti is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly in this Aw climate zone, known for its high temperatures and sunny days. With UV levels peaking at a remarkable 12 around noon, awareness of daily fluctuations can empower residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions. By monitoring the UV Index, you can effectively minimize your risk of skin damage while enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Gonaives offers. Stay informed and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays!
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 |
The UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the late winter and spring months. February to April are notably high-risk months, with the UV Index reaching 13 and categorized as extreme for a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even in May and August, the UV Index remains elevated at 13, while June and July see a slight decrease to 12. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually drops to 11 in October and returns to very high levels of 9 in November, before further declining to 8 in December. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during the high-risk months by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak sun hours, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Port-de-Paix UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Gonaives | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Croix-des-Bouquets UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Petionville UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Delmas 73 UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Port-au-Prince UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |