UV Index in May Pen, Jamaica

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In May Pen, Jamaica, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors safely. The tropical climate of May Pen brings consistent sunshine, with UV exposure peaking sharply around noon. With UV Index values reaching a high of 13 in the early afternoon, it’s essential to take proper precautions during these hours to safeguard your skin while soaking up the island's beauty.

Hourly UV Index in May Pen

The UV Index showcases a dynamic increase throughout the day, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs as the sun ascends, reaching 6 by 9:00 AM. The intensity becomes palpable by 11:00 AM with a sharp rise to 12, before hitting its zenith at 13 at noon, prompting caution for outdoor activities. As the afternoon unfolds, the levels begin to decline, dipping to 10 by 2:00 PM and gradually falling to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling safer conditions for evening strolls. It’s essential to stay protected during the midday hours when the sun's rays are most intense!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	6	high	25 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	9	very high	15 min
15:00	6	high	25 min
16:00	3	moderate	30 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	1	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in May Pen

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking from February to September, with exceptionally high levels during March to September where it consistently reaches an extreme category of 13-14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. January and November feature a very high UV Index of 9, while December and October see a slight decline to 8-12, with burn times increasing to 15 minutes. Given these readings, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution during the high-risk months of February through September, particularly in the height of summer when UV exposure is most intense. It is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally, and seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for May Pen, Jamaica

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in May Pen. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for May Pen, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare May Pen UV Index with Other Jamaica Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in May Pen compares to other major locations across Jamaica. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

May Pen's solar exposure compared to other cities in Jamaica. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Montego Bay UVI	9	11	13	13	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8
Mandeville UVI	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8
May Pen	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8
Portmore UVI	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8
Spanish Town UVI	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8
Kingston UVI	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	12	12	9	8