Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of Saint-Esprit, Martinique, where the tropical climate brings strong sunlight and heightened UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels soaring to 13 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. In this idyllic Caribbean locale, where sun-kissed days are plentiful, being informed about UV levels empowers you to enjoy the beautiful weather safely. Stay vigilant and safeguard your skin as you soak up the sun in this stunning paradise!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with January starting at a high 10 and peaking in April and August at 14, categorizing these months as extreme risk for sun exposure. Notably, February, March, and the warmer months from April to October consistently maintain an extreme exposure category, where the burn time drops to just 10 minutes. In contrast, November and December see a reduction in UV Index to 10 and 9 respectively, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months—particularly February through October—by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sainte-Marie UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Le Robert UVI | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Saint-Esprit | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Le Francois UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Le Lamentin UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Fort-de-France UVI | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |