Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where the tropical climate brings intense sunshine year-round. With UV levels reaching a peak of 12 during midday hours, being aware of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. This knowledge empowers individuals to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation, which can lead to immediate discomfort and long-term skin damage. Given the city's warm, sunny environment, frequent exposure to elevated UV levels poses significant health risks; thus, staying informed about the UV Index is vital for anyone enjoying the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of Port-au-Prince.
The UV Index today tells a compelling story of the sun's intensity as it rises and falls throughout the day. At 07:00, we start with a gentle UVI of 1, gradually climbing to 2 by 08:00. As the clock strikes 09:00, the intensity ramps up to 4, but it's not until 10:00 that we hit a significant level of 7. Midday thrill peaks at 12:00 with a commanding UVI of 12, remaining steady until 13:00 before it begins to wane. The afternoon brings a slight decline, with values decreasing to 9 at 15:00 and ultimately settling at a low 1 by 19:00 as the sun sets. This pattern underscores the importance of seeking shade and applying sunscreen during peak hours to enjoy the sun's warmth safely!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index values exhibit significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking from March to October. The highest risk months are March through August, where the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 12 to 13, necessitating caution with a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, the months of January, February, November, and December fall into the very high exposure category, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during the high-risk months, to minimize the risk of skin damage. Stay safe and protect your skin!
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 |
| Port-au-Prince | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |