Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santa Fe, Philippines, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight year-round. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 14 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining better skin health. By monitoring UV exposure, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself from harmful effects, especially during the hottest hours when the sun's rays are most potent. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring the local scenery, being informed about the UV Index can help you stay safe while soaking up the sun.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases swiftly, reaching a peak of 14 at both 11:00 and 12:00—the hottest part of the day. From there, the index starts to dip, descending to 9 by 14:00 and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, levels decrease further, plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV exposure underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV levels are at their highest. Remember to stay safe and shield your skin when the UV Index is soaring!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with particularly elevated levels from January to October. Notably, March and April peak at an index of 15, categorizing them as high-risk months where extreme precautions are necessary, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Even in October, the UV Index remains significant at 13, demanding vigilance. Residents and visitors should be proactive by employing sun safety measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during mid-day hours when UV exposure is most intense. As the colder months approach, November and December see a moderate decrease in UV levels, but caution is still advisable, especially with a very high index of 10 in December. Always stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV radiation year-round.
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 |
| Santa Fe | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| 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 |