Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Venezuela, where the tropical climate can lead to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at 14 during midday hours, awareness plays a key role in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. The sun's intensity in this region makes it essential to stay informed about UV exposure risks, ensuring that you enjoy the beautiful weather without compromising your well-being. As you embrace the sunny days in Santa Cruz, keep an eye on the UV Index to safeguard your skin and maintain your health.
At dawn, as the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index is a modest 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. By 08:00, it creeps up to 2, maintaining a gentle warmth. The real sunbathing begins around 09:00 with a notable jump to 5. However, it’s from 10:00 to 12:00 that the sun truly takes center stage, reaching its peak at a sizzling 14 at noon. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly wanes, dropping to 11 by 14:00 and winding down to 4 by 16:00. As the sun dips lower, the UV Index falls to 2 at 17:00 and finally retreats to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of the day. Be sun-smart and enjoy the sunshine safely!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences minimal seasonal variation, remaining at an extreme level throughout most months, with particularly high values peaking at 14 in March, April, May, June, September, and October. High-risk months to be cautious in are from January to September, where UV Index readings hover around 12 to 14, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. Even in November and December, the UV Index remains concerning, maintaining an extreme to very high categorization, with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes in December. Visitors and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to avoid skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maracaibo UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Valencia UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Santa Cruz | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Maracay UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Barquisimeto UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
Caracas UVI | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |