Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Playita Cortada, Puerto Rico, where the tropical climate brings not only sunny skies but also significant UV exposure. With levels peaking at a staggering 13 during midday, awareness of these UV levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take informed steps to protect yourself from harmful rays, ensuring your time in this beautiful locale is both enjoyable and safe. Given Playita Cortada's warm climate, it's especially important to stay vigilant about UV risks throughout the day.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts modestly at 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 5, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The peak emerges around 12:00, hitting a noticeably high 13, and remains intense until 14:00 when it slightly dips to 11. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases; by 15:00, it falls to 7, and as evening approaches, it continues its decline to 2 at 17:00. Finally, the UV Index settles at 1 by 18:00, ultimately dipping to a safe 0 by 19:00. It's a day where midday sun protection is paramount!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, with the highest readings occurring from February to October, where exposure levels reach an extreme category and burn times are dangerously short at 10 minutes. March through September are particularly high-risk months, peaking in April and May with a UV Index of 14. Residents and visitors should be extremely cautious during these months, ensuring proper sun protection such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. In contrast, November and December are notable for their relatively lower UV levels classified as very high, albeit still requiring sun safety measures, with burn times lengthening to 15 minutes. It is advisable for everyone to monitor the UV Index regularly and adopt appropriate precautions year-round to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Bayamon UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Playita Cortada | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Ponce UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |