Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Cotton Ground, Saint Kitts and Nevis, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. Understanding UV levels can help prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful island sun safely. With a climate characterized by high UV exposure, especially during midday when the index can reach 13, it's vital to stay informed about UV radiation risks. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes, taking the right precautions against intense sun exposure will ensure your outdoor adventures remain enjoyable and safe.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saint Paul's UVI | 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 |
Cotton Ground | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |