Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index in Jamaica and Cuba is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful, tropical climate without the risks. With its warm Aw climate, Jamaica experiences significant UV exposure, especially during midday when the index peaks at 12. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers residents and visitors alike to take the necessary precautions, ensuring fun in the sun while safeguarding skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index slowly climbs, starting at a low 1 at 07:00 and 08:00. By 09:00, it slightly increases to 2. However, the real intensity kicks in as the day progresses, peaking at an impressive 12 between 13:00 and 14:00. This is the critical time when sun protection is essential, given the dangerous exposure level. As the afternoon wanes, the index starts to decrease, dropping to 10 by 15:00 and further declining to 5 at 17:00. Finally, as the sun sets, it returns to a mild 1 by 19:00. Take note of these fluctuations, as they are crucial for staying safe under the sun!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
16:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV Index levels fluctuate significantly, with the highest values occurring from March to September. The most critical months for UV exposure are March through September, where the index reaches extreme levels, particularly in June at a peak of 13, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. In contrast, January, December, and November offer lower UV exposure, with burn times of 25 minutes and 15 minutes, indicating a safer period for outdoor activities. It is vital for both visitors and residents to adopt protective measures during the high-risk months, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jamaica | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Havana UVI | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
Camaguey UVI | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 |
Holguin UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
Santiago de Cuba UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |
Guantanamo UVI | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 8 |