Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in the East End of the Cayman Islands, where strong sun exposure can significantly impact skin health. With peak UV levels often soaring to dangerous heights, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, awareness of these values can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. The region's tropical climate amplifies these risks, making it essential to track daily UV variations. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding your skin against harmful effects.
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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with the highest levels observed from February to August, where it consistently reaches extreme levels of 11 to 13. March, April, May, June, and August mark the highest-risk months, with 10 minutes being the maximum safe exposure time before burning occurs. January, November, and December represent months of very high UV exposure, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade when possible, especially during peak sun hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
East End | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
North Side UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Bodden Town UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
George Town UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
West Bay UVI | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |