Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Betances, Puerto Rico, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. With high UV levels peaking around midday, awareness of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term damage. The tropical climate here, characterized by intense sun exposure, brings unique risks: during summer months, UV levels often soar to dangerous heights, reaching a peak of 13 between noon and 1 PM. Staying informed about the UV Index ensures you can enjoy the sun responsibly and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1 by 7:00 AM, perfect for early risers enjoying the fresh morning air. By 9:00 AM, it escalates to a moderate 5, signaling it's time to think about sun protection. The peak arrives at 12:00 PM, when the index hits a scorching 13, marking the sun’s most aggressive rays. For the next hour, it remains at this intense level before gradually declining through the afternoon: 11 at 1:00 PM, 8 at 3:00 PM, and finally down to 4 by 4:00 PM. As the sun sets, the UV Index drops to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM, then to a calming 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a warm evening to unwind. Enjoy the day, but remember to shield yourself during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels vary significantly, with the highest readings occurring from February to October. During this period, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme category, peaking at 14 in May and remaining consistently high at 13 from June to September. The months at highest risk for UV exposure are February to October, where the burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. January, November, and December see a slight decrease in risk, with UV Index levels categorized as very high and a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take extra precautions during these peak months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen frequently, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caguas UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Carolina UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
San Juan UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Betances | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Bayamon UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Ponce UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |