UV Index in Castries, Saint Lucia

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Castries, Saint Lucia, where the warm, tropical climate places everyone at a higher risk for sun-related health issues. With UV levels peaking at 13 during midday hours, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for preventing sunburns and protecting your long-term skin health. As you bask in the beautiful sunshine of this vibrant city, taking note of the UV Index can help you enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risk of skin damage. Remember, even a few minutes of exposure during peak hours can lead to harmful effects, making it all the more important to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Hourly UV Index in Castries

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!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Castries

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Castries, Saint Lucia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Castries. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Castries, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Castries UV Index with Other Saint Lucia Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Castries compares to other major locations across Saint Lucia. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Castries's solar exposure compared to other cities in Saint Lucia. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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