Last updated: May 3, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Gustavia, Saint Barthélemy, where sunny days and beautiful beaches invite outdoor activities. Understanding UV levels is crucial not only for preventing sunburn, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. With Gustavia’s tropical climate, UV exposure can reach dangerous levels, especially around midday when the index hits peaks of 12 to 13. Staying informed empowers you to enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from its harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!
| 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, seasonal changes in the UV Index highlight significant variations in sun exposure risk. From February to October, the UV Index consistently peaks at 13, categorizing these months as experiencing extreme exposure levels; notably, the burn time during this period is only 10 minutes. Consequently, March to October are considered high-risk months for sunburn and skin damage. By contrast, January, November, and December exhibit a lower UV Index of 9, classified as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gustavia | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 9 |