Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Saint Paul’s, Saint Kitts and Nevis is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you avoid painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially in a tropical climate where direct sunlight is abundant. With peak UV levels reaching 13 around midday, it's crucial to stay informed and take protective measures to enjoy the outdoors safely. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the vibrant scenery, being mindful of UV exposure will ensure you can soak up the sun without compromising your skin health.
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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Paul's | 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 |
Basseterre 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 |