Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Rocky Point, Jamaica, where the sun shines brightly for much of the year. Awareness of UV levels is key to preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially when the midday sun reaches a maximum index of 13—a level that can lead to skin damage within minutes. Nestled in a tropical climate, Rocky Point’s typical exposure risks demand attention during peak hours, notably between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the beauty of this vibrant location while minimizing the health risks associated with overexposure to sunlight.
The hourly UV Index data reveals a striking pattern throughout the day. Starting at 07:00, the index is at a low 1, perfect for early risers. As the sun climbs, it rapidly escalates, peaking at 13:00 with a maximum of 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From there, it begins to wane, descending to 6 by 15:00 and dropping further to 1 by 17:00. By evening, at 19:00, the UV Index falls to 0, marking the end of a day that demands protective measures during peak hours. For sun-seekers, the time to stay safe and shielded is clearly between 10:00 and 14:00. 🌞✨
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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
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 |
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 |
Rocky Point | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 |