Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in West Bay, Cayman Islands is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the sun safely. The UV levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking at 13 during midday, which underscores the importance of awareness to prevent sunburn and protect skin health. With its tropical climate, West Bay frequently exposes residents and visitors to high UV radiation, making it vital to keep an eye on these levels and take necessary precautions to safeguard your skin. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the stunning coastline, knowing the UV Index can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience under the Caribbean sun.
The UV Index today reflects a dynamic progression of sun intensity throughout the hours. Starting at a modest 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to 3 by 08:00. A steady ascent leads to a significant peak of 13 at both 12:00 and 13:00, marking the most critical hours for sun exposure. As the afternoon wanes, the index gently descends to 10 at 14:00, then to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 4 at 16:00. By 18:00, it drops back to 1, and the day concludes under the protective shroud of dusk with a 0 by 19:00. This data serves as a reminder to stay sun-safe during peak hours, particularly between 10:00 and 14:00 when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
| 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 | 13 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the late spring and summer months, specifically from March to October, where levels reach an extreme category. March through June show particularly high indices, consistently at 13 with a burn time of only 10 minutes, representing the months of highest risk. Visitors and residents should be especially cautious from April to August, when the risk is at its peak, and daily sun protection is essential. January through February and November to December see reduced UV exposure, categorized as very high, with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. It's advisable for everyone to adopt sun safety measures during all months, but especially during the high-risk periods, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Side UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
| East End 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 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 |