UV Index in Santa Barbara, Puerto Rico

Last updated: May 3, 2025

When it comes to enjoying the beautiful shores of Santa Barbara, Puerto Rico, being aware of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful rays. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing painful sunburn but also for promoting long-term skin health. As a tropical region with a warm climate, Santa Barbara typically experiences high levels of UV exposure, peaking around noon with an index reaching up to 14. Familiarizing yourself with these levels empowers you to make informed choices, ensuring you can enjoy the sun safely while savoring the vibrant atmosphere of this idyllic locale.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Barbara

The UV Index journey throughout the day reveals a dynamic and intense sunlight experience. Starting with a gentle maximum of 1 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 8:00 AM. It then takes a commanding leap to 6 at 9:00 AM, before peaking at a striking 14 around 12:00 PM—the moment when sun safety is most crucial. As the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity begins to taper off, dipping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and down to 4 by 4:00 PM. Finally, the day wraps up with a return to more manageable levels, settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This data highlights the importance of protective measures during peak hours when the sun’s rays are most potent.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Barbara

The UV Index shows significant seasonal variation, peaking during the months of March to October, when levels reach between 12 and 14, categorizing them as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest risk months are April, May, and August, where the UV Index reaches 13 to 14. In contrast, January, February, and November still present very high exposure risks with less urgency, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take protective measures during the high UV months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses, and to limit sun exposure, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Barbara, Puerto Rico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Barbara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Barbara, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Barbara UV Index with Other Puerto Rico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Barbara compares to other major locations across Puerto Rico. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Barbara's solar exposure compared to other cities in Puerto Rico. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Santa Barbara	9	11	13	13	14	13	12	13	13	12	9	8
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
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