Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in East End, Cayman Islands, as it provides vital information about the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Given the region's tropical climate and predominantly clear skies, UV levels can soar to dangerous heights, reaching a critical peak of 13 during midday hours. Being aware of these fluctuations can help you prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities safely. With UV Index values typically rising significantly from mid-morning to early afternoon, staying informed enables you to make conscious decisions about sun protection measures and enjoy all that East End has to offer without the risk of overexposure.
At 07:00, the UV Index starts at a low 1, providing a gentle introduction to the day. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity begins to rise sharply, hitting 3 by 08:00 and reaching a notable 5 by 09:00. The real surge occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where the UV Index soars from 9 to a peak of 13. The afternoon maintains this intensity, with 12 at 13:00 and gradually tapering off afterward. By 15:00, it dips to 7, then drops further to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the UV Index returns to a lower level, sitting at 2 by 17:00, and finally tapering to 1 at 18:00, before completely fading to 0 by 19:00. This daily UV Index cycle highlights the importance of sun safety during peak hours!
| 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 | 12 | 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 |