Last updated: July 2, 2025
In West Bay, Cayman Islands, awareness of the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the daily UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and support long-term skin health, especially in this tropical paradise where the sun's intensity peaks during midday. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, local residents and visitors should be mindful of the risks associated with high UV exposure, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when indices soar to a maximum of 12. Stay informed and enjoy the sunshine safely!
The UV Index today presents a notable ascent as the sun reaches its zenith. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00. The real surge begins by 09:00, where it hits 5, and peaks at a striking 12 between 12:00 and 13:00. This intense period signals a vital awareness for sun protection! As the day progresses, the index drops steadily, descending to 10 at 14:00 before tapering off to 7 at 15:00, and dwindling down to 1 by 18:00 and flatlining at 0 by 19:00. Be mindful of peak hours for sun exposure, especially during the late morning to early afternoon when UV intensity is at its highest!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 12 | 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 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 |