Last updated: July 2, 2025
In San Sebastian, Philippines, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful UV radiation. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and promote better skin health, especially in a tropical climate like San Sebastian, where the sun's intensity can reach dangerous levels—peaking at an impressive UV Index of 14 around noon. With typical exposure risks heightened during the midday hours, staying informed about the UV Index will empower you to take necessary precautions for a safer and healthier outdoor experience. So, let's dive into the importance of monitoring UV levels and how you can protect yourself while enjoying the sunshine!
The UV Index trend throughout the day reveals a striking peak during midday hours, urging caution for outdoor enthusiasts. Starting modestly at 2 at 07:00, the index rapidly climbs, reaching a significant 14 by 12:00, making this the most critical time for sun exposure. Even as the clock ticks towards the afternoon, the UV levels remain high, peaking at 13 at 11:00 and 12:00, before gradually declining to 5 by 15:00. As the day winds down, the index drops to 3 at 16:00, then tapering off to 1 by the evening hours. For those venturing outside, it's essential to protect your skin between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays are most intense.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region remains at an extreme level, with a consistent burn time of only 10 minutes across all months. January through March witnesses the highest UV readings, peaking at 15 in both March and April. The high-risk months for sun exposure are from February to September, where the UV Index reaches 13 or above. Despite a slight decrease to 11 in the final months, the risk remains significant. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, particularly during peak hours to avoid harmful effects from UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caloocan City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Quezon City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| Manila UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
| San Sebastian | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Budta UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
| Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |