Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine and high UV exposure risks. With peak UV levels soaring as high as 13 around midday, being aware of these readings can significantly help in preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring the lush scenery, knowing when the sun is at its strongest empowers you to take proactive measures against harmful UV radiation and enjoy all that Cap Estate has to offer safely.
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 |
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cap Estate | 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 |