UV Index in Cacao, Puerto Rico

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Cacao, Puerto Rico, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. With peak UV levels around 13 during midday, understanding these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and maintain long-term skin health. Cacao's warm and humid climate, typical of tropical regions, poses a higher risk for skin damage if precautions aren’t taken. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against potential harm.

Hourly UV Index in Cacao

The UV Index rises sharply throughout the morning, peaking at 1 at 07:00 and soaring to its highest point of 13 by 12:00. From 08:00 to 11:00, the index climbs steadily, reaching 11 at 11:00, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As we transition into the afternoon, the index begins to decline; it drops to 10 by 14:00 and continues to taper off, falling to 4 by 16:00. By evening, the UV Index settles down to a safe level of 1 at 18:00 and finally drops to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of the day when sun protection is no longer a concern. Remember to take precautions during peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, when the sun's intensity is at its highest!

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	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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Cacao

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Cacao, Puerto Rico

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Cacao. 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 Cacao, 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 Cacao UV Index with Other Puerto Rico Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Cacao 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.

Cacao'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
Cacao	9	11	13	13	14	13	13	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