Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Esperanza, Puerto Rico is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. With the island's delightful tropical climate, it's important to be aware of UV levels to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. On sunny days, UV Index readings can soar, reaching a peak of 13 at noon, which poses significant risks for even brief sun exposure. By staying informed about these levels, residents and visitors alike can take proactive steps to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing their risk of skin damage.
The UV Index begins at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, but as the sun climbs higher, it swiftly escalates. By 10:00, it peaks at a critical 9, reaching a maximum of 13 at 12:00, indicating that protective measures are essential. After noon, the index gradually declines, tapering to 7 by 15:00, before dipping to a 2 by 17:00, and finally settling at 0 by 19:00 as the sun sets. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during the hours when UV exposure is at its highest, particularly around midday.
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 | 9 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels exhibit significant seasonal variations, with peak exposure occurring from March to September. The highest UV Index is recorded in September at 14, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. To protect against harmful UV radiation, residents and visitors should be particularly cautious during the high-risk months of February through October, when the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 or higher. It is advisable to use effective sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during midday hours when the risk of sunburn is greatest. As UV levels decrease in November and December, the risk remains very high, with burn times of 15 minutes, so sun safety should still be a priority during the winter months.
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 |
Esperanza | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
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 |