UV Index in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is vital for residents and visitors in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. As a tropical island with a warm climate, the sun's rays can be particularly intense, peaking during midday with an index reaching as high as 13. This awareness is crucial for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels frequently rising to extreme values throughout the day, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can significantly reduce your risk of skin damage while enjoying the sun-soaked beauty of Basseterre.

Hourly UV Index in Basseterre

As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches its peak intensity around 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 13—a clear signal for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually escalating to 6 by 09:00 AM and hitting 9 at 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the sun begins to assert itself with a 12. However, as the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity starts to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to a mere 2 by 5:00 PM. As daylight diminishes, the UV Index dwindles to 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a much-needed respite from the sun’s relentless rays. Always be vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	6	high	25 min
10:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Basseterre

As the seasons change, the UV Index exhibits notable fluctuations, with high-risk months typically from February to October, where values reach extreme levels of 11 to 14. In these months, the burn time is as brief as 10 minutes, necessitating increased caution. In January, November, and December, while the UV Index remains at a very high level of 9, individuals still face a burn time of 15 minutes, indicating a need for protection. To ensure safety, both visitors and residents should prioritize wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade regularly during these peak months, especially from midday to mid-afternoon when the sun's intensity is highest.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Basseterre. 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 Basseterre, 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 Basseterre UV Index with Other Saint Kitts and Nevis Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Basseterre compares to other major locations across Saint Kitts and Nevis. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Basseterre's solar exposure compared to other cities in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Saint Paul's UVI	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	14	12	9	9
Basseterre	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	14	12	9	9
Middle Island UVI	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	14	12	9	9
Market Shop UVI	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	12	9	9
Fig Tree UVI	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	13	12	9	9