Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Praslin, Saint Lucia, staying informed about the UV Index is essential to safeguard your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels allows you to take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in an area known for its tropical climate and ample sunshine. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV levels can soar as high as 14, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By being aware of the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and landscapes while protecting yourself from the dangers of excessive UV exposure.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Praslin | 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 |