Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Road Town, Virgin Islands (British), awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for safeguarding long-term skin health. With a tropical climate that often subjects residents and visitors to high UV levels—peaking at a staggering 13 around noon—being informed about when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is vital. Embrace the sun safely by staying aware of the UV Index and keeping your skin protected throughout the day!
The UV Index begins at a mild level of 1 at 07:00, but as the sun climbs higher, it swiftly escalates. By 10:00, it peaks at a critical 9, reaching a maximum of 13 at 12:00, indicating that protective measures are essential. After noon, the index gradually declines, tapering to 7 by 15:00, before dipping to a 2 by 17:00, and finally settling at 0 by 19:00 as the sun sets. This data highlights the importance of sun safety during the hours when UV exposure is at its highest, particularly around midday.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
Throughout the year, UV index values exhibit notable variability, with high-risk months predominantly occurring from February to October, where the index reaches extremes ranging from 11 to 14. The most intense periods are seen in September with a UV index of 14, alongside March, April, May, June, July, and August, all maintaining high levels of 13. During these months, burn times are reduced to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for vigilance in sun protection. Conversely, January, November, and December see a slight decline in risk, with UV indexes of 9 and 8, allowing for burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to utilize appropriate sun protection strategies, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak UV hours to mitigate risks throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road Town | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 |