Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Puerto Rico is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoor activities this tropical paradise has to offer. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 during the midday hours, awareness of these indices is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Puerto Rico's warm climate and exposure to the sun's rays mean that both residents and visitors need to prioritize sun safety to avoid the harmful effects of overexposure. Stay informed and protect your skin while soaking up the island's beauty!
The UV Index reveals some intriguing trends throughout the day. Starting mild in the early morning, with values of 1 at 07:00 and 08:00, the intensity begins to rise. By 09:00, it jumps to 3, but the real peak occurs between 10:00 and 14:00, where the index skyrockets to an impressive 14 at 13:00. It’s a reminder to be cautious under the midday sun! As the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity gradually declines, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and eventually settling back at 1 by 18:00 and 19:00. This data highlights the need for sun protection during the peak hours, especially around midday when the UV index is at its highest.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, peaking in the summer months. From January to March, the UV Index begins at 10 and escalates to 14 by April, maintaining that level through June. The highest readings occur in July with a UV Index of 15, indicating extremely high exposure risk. Post-July, the levels gradually decline, with October recording a UV Index of 13, before falling back to 10 in November and 9 in December, reflecting very high levels again. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February to October, which are classified as extreme or very high exposure categories. Visitors and residents are advised to take necessary precautions during these months, such as wearing protective clothing, utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to mitigate the risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalajara UVI | 9 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Iztapalapa UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Ecatepec de Morelos UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Mexico City UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Puerto Rico | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
| Puebla UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 |