Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Catalina, Venezuela, where the tropical climate often brings high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Being aware of UV levels not only helps in the prevention of painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health. With midday UV Index values soaring to a staggering 14—indicative of extreme risk—it's important to take precautions during peak hours. Santa Catalina's sunny disposition presents unique exposure risks, making it essential to stay informed and protect your skin while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.
The UV Index displays a dramatic rise throughout the morning and peaks at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, marking the highest intensity of the day. Beginning with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the intensity escalates quickly, reaching 12 by 11:00 AM and encouraging sun safety measures. After hitting its zenith, the index begins to decline, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM before easing further to 2 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. This fluctuation underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the sun's rays can be most harmful.
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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index experiences extreme levels from January through November, peaking at 15 in March. This high UV exposure means that the risk of skin damage is substantial, particularly in the months of February, March, and April, where the index is notably high. Visitors and residents should prioritize sun safety during these months by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen regularly, especially within a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although December sees a slight decrease in UV Index to 10, it remains at a very high exposure category, warranting continued precaution. Given these conditions, it's essential for everyone to remain vigilant about sun protection throughout the year, as the risk remains significant even during the cooler months.
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 Catalina | 12 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 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 |