Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Castries, Saint Lucia is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against harmful ultraviolet radiation. As a tropical paradise, Castries experiences intense sun exposure, particularly during the midday hours when UV levels peak significantly. With a maximum UV Index soaring to 14 around noon, it's essential to recognize the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Staying informed about the UV Index helps you take proactive measures to protect yourself, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in this beautiful coastal climate.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Castries | 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 |
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 |