Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Trinity, Saint Kitts and Nevis, where sun exposure is a daily reality. With the climate marked as Aw, characterized by warm temperatures and strong sunlight, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and promotes overall skin health. On typical days, UV Index levels can peak at a concerning 13 around midday, highlighting the importance of protective measures. By staying informed about local UV readings, you can enjoy the Caribbean sun while safeguarding your skin.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent at 1 by 07:00, indicating minimal risk for sun exposure. As the day progresses, it climbs steadily, reaching 3 by 08:00 and escalating dramatically to 6 by 09:00. The sun's intensity peaks at 13 by noon and maintains a high of 12 until 13:00, signaling a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. After this peak, the index gradually tapers off, dropping to 9 by 14:00, then back to 6 by 15:00. As the afternoon fades into evening, the UV Index declines to 3 at 16:00, 2 at 17:00, and ultimately settles at 1 by 18:00 before disappearing altogether by 19:00. It's crucial to stay protected during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the index is at its highest!
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | 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 UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
Trinity | 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 |