Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels can significantly impact your outdoor activities and overall well-being. As the sun reaches its peak intensity around noon, with an alarming UV Index soaring to 12, the risk of harmful effects increases dramatically. By staying informed about these levels, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant landscapes of Punta Santiago while safeguarding your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic dance of sun intensity. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, the index gradually rises, hitting 3 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, it peaks at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the strongest sun exposure—perfect for a beach day but not without caution! By 15:00, the UV levels begin to retreat, dropping to 7, and continue to fall, reaching 2 by 17:00. As the sun sets, the index dwindles further to 0 by 19:00, signifying a gentle end to the day. Remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the highest risk months occurring from February to September, where the UV Index often reaches extreme levels of 11 to 14. March, April, May, and August consistently show an Index of 13, while September peaks at 14, necessitating vigilant sun protection. During these high-risk months, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, emphasizing the importance of wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade. As the seasons transition, January, November, and December see a decrease in UV levels, but caution should still be practiced during the very high exposure periods, especially before noon. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to remain vigilant and take appropriate sun safety measures to protect their skin year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Punta Santiago | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 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 |