UV Index in Les Cayes, Haiti

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Les Cayes, Haiti, where the sun's rays can pose significant health risks. With peak UV levels soaring to 12 during midday, being vigilant about sun exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. Les Cayes, characterized by its tropical climate, experiences high UV exposure, particularly during its sunniest hours. By staying informed about the daily UV forecast, you can enjoy outdoor activities while effectively safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Les Cayes

The UV Index undergoes a notable progression throughout the day, beginning at a gentle 1 at 07:00, before gradually rising to a moderate 2 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, the index climbs sharply, peaking at a dizzying 13 around 13:00—a clear indication that sun protection is essential during these hours. From this pinnacle, the UV Index begins its descent, tapering off to a 9 at 15:00 and finally dwindling to 1 by the evening hours of 18:00 and 19:00. With this data in mind, it's crucial to enjoy the outdoors safely, particularly between 11:00 and 14:00, when the sun's rays are at their most intense.

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	1	low	45 min
09:00	3	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	12	extreme	10 min
15:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Les Cayes

Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to September, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 14, demanding vigilance. During this time, the burn time is notably short, around 10 minutes, highlighting the urgency for protective measures. January, November, and December present lower but still high UV levels, classified as very high with burn times of 15 minutes, still warranting caution. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during the peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to minimize health risks.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Les Cayes, Haiti

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Les Cayes. 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 Les Cayes, 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 Les Cayes UV Index with Other Haiti Cities

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

Les Cayes's solar exposure compared to other cities in Haiti. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
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
Les Cayes	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	11	9	8