Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Saint Lucia as it plays a significant role in skin health and sunburn prevention. With the tropical climate of the Canaries, UV exposure can reach dangerous levels, especially during midday, where indexes soar to 14. This means it's essential to stay informed about UV levels throughout the day to protect your skin from harmful rays. By being aware of this vital information, you can enjoy the beautiful sun-soaked days in the Canaries while prioritizing your well-being.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of a sunny day's intensity. Starting off at a moderate level of 1 at 7:00 AM, the sun rises steadily, peaking at 14 around 12:00 PM—a high risk time for unprotected skin. Expect the index to hit its zenith at 1:00 PM with a dramatic 13, only to gently recede as the afternoon fades, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the sun begins to set, the levels decrease further, retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally to a 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe window for late evening activities. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, with extreme levels persisting from February through October, peaking in the summer months of March, April, May, August, and September at a UV Index of 14. Visitors and residents should pay particular attention to the high-risk months of February to October, where the potential for skin damage is elevated, and burn times can be as little as 10 minutes. In contrast, January, November, and December see lower UV levels, classified as very high, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. To minimize risks, it is strongly advised to utilize sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during peak hours when UV exposure is highest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canaries | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Dennery UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Castries UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Soufriere UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Micoud UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Vieux Fort UVI | 10 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 9 |