Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Sula, Philippines, especially given the region's tropical climate. With maximum UV levels peaking at 15 around noon, awareness of these readings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and promote long-term skin health. By monitoring UV exposure, individuals can better protect themselves against harmful rays, especially during the sunniest hours when risks are heightened. As you enjoy the beautiful weather of Sula, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.
The UV Index for the day presents a clear peak in intensity around midday. It starts at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the index surges to a significant 8, hitting a striking 11 at 10:00 AM. As the sun reaches its zenith, it peaks at an impressive 15 at 12:00 PM. Fortunately, the intensity starts to decline after midday; it drops to 10 by 2:00 PM and further decreases to 6 by 3:00 PM. The UV Index continues its downward trend, falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering there until it finally settles at 0 by 7:00 PM. It's crucial to take appropriate sun protection measures, especially during those peak hours!
| 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | 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 displays significant seasonal variations, peaking during the early months of the year. From January to March, the UV Index reaches extreme levels of 11 to 15, with burn times as short as 10 minutes. April and June maintain a high intensity, while May, July, and August show slightly lower indices around 13 to 14, yet still considered extreme. September holds steady at 14, followed by October at 13. The high-risk months for UV exposure are clearly identified from January through October, prompting strict precautionary measures for both visitors and residents. To safeguard skin health, individuals should utilize adequate sun protection strategies, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak daylight hours. As the year winds down, November and December show a slight decrease in UV levels, transitioning to very high exposure, particularly with a UV Index of 10 in December, where burn time extends to 15 minutes. Overall, vigilance remains essential throughout the year.
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 |
| Sula | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 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 |