Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Georgetown, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha is vital for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Given the region's tropical climate, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and reduces long-term skin damage, enabling you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 11 around midday, it's crucial to take precautions during the sunniest hours. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure while enjoying the stunning landscapes of Georgetown.
The UV Index today begins its climb gently at 1 early in the morning, peaking as the sun reaches higher into the sky. By 09:00, it registers a moderate 3, but from 10:00 onwards, the intensity escalates sharply, hitting 5 and then soaring to a remarkable 11 by noon. The peak persists through 13:00, holding steady at 11, a clear signal to take sun protection seriously. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually recedes, dropping to 10 at 14:00, and further declining to 7 by 15:00. The UV Index continues to diminish as the day winds down, settling at 4 by 16:00, then slipping to 2 at 17:00, and finally returning to a safe 1 by 18:00. The day ends on a low note of 0 at 19:00, providing a much-needed respite from the sun’s rays. Stay protected during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | 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 |
During the year, UV Index levels exhibit minimal fluctuation, remaining predominantly at 14 (extreme) from January through March, with a slight decrease to 13 in April and 12 in May. The months of June and July see a drop to 10 (very high), before rising back to 11 in August. From September through November, the index returns to extreme levels, peaking again in December. High-risk months are identified as January, February, March, and November, where immediate and consistent protection against UV radiation is crucial, with a burn time as low as 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to prioritize sun protection strategies year-round, especially during peak months, by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate health risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh of the Seven Seas UVI | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Jamestown UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Longwood UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Half Tree Hollow UVI | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Georgetown | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 |