UV Index in Sainte-Marie, Martinique

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sainte-Marie, Martinique, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine and elevated UV levels. Awareness of UV exposure not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. In this picturesque locale, the UV Index can soar to a blistering 13 around midday, indicating a high risk for harmful skin effects. With the right knowledge and precautions, you can fully enjoy the radiant beauty of Sainte-Marie while protecting yourself from its intense sun exposure.

Hourly UV Index in Sainte-Marie

At 07:00, the UV Index starts off gently at 1, making it a safe time for morning activities. By 08:00, it rises to 3, indicating moderate levels of UV radiation. The sun begins to assert its dominance by 09:00, with the index climbing to 7, pushing outdoor enthusiasts to seek shade. 10:00 marks a significant peak at 10, and by 11:00, it reaches 12—a dangerous level where sun protection becomes crucial. The highest point occurs at 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to 13, suggesting that even brief exposure can lead to skin damage. From 13:00 to 14:00, it gently decreases to 12 and 9, respectively, but still warrants caution. As afternoon fades into evening, the index tapers off, dropping to 6 at 15:00 and further down to 3 by 16:00. Finally, the sun's intensity dwindles in the early evening, with indices falling to 1 by 17:00, 1 at 18:00, and reaching a low of 0 by 19:00. Plan your outdoor activities wisely to stay safe under the sun!

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	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	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	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Sainte-Marie

The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with the most intense exposure occurring from February through October, where the index reaches levels categorized as extreme. During these months, particularly in March, April, May, July, and August, the UV Index peaks at 13 to 14, indicating a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. January, November, and December feature lower UV levels, classified as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should exercise caution during the high-risk months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of UV-related harm.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sainte-Marie, Martinique

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Sainte-Marie. 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 Sainte-Marie, 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 Sainte-Marie UV Index with Other Martinique Cities

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

Sainte-Marie's solar exposure compared to other cities in Martinique. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Sainte-Marie	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
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