Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the island's tropical climate, residents and visitors alike are exposed to varying UV levels throughout the day, peaking around noon and early afternoon—with a maximum index of 13! This extraordinary UV exposure can lead to significant skin damage if not managed properly. Thus, being aware of these levels and taking protective measures is essential to enjoy the beautiful sunny days while safeguarding your skin.
The UV Index for the day reveals a striking pattern, peaking dramatically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM at 13, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these hours. As the sun rises, the index starts low, at just 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 3 by 8:00 AM. The most intense exposure occurs at 10:00 AM, hitting 9, before reaching its zenith at 12:00 PM. Following this peak, the levels drop to 12 at 1:00 PM and steadily decline, falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a clear reminder of the sun’s potency during midday hours—ensuring skin protection is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely!
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 | 9 | 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index varies significantly, with January and December experiencing a very high exposure category (UV Index 10), where the burn time is 15 minutes. The high-risk months, however, occur from February to November, where the UV Index consistently reaches levels categorized as extreme—peaking in March and April at an Index of 14 and 15, respectively. During these months, the burn time is notably low at just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saipan | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
San Jose Village UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |