UV Index in Portmore, Jamaica

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Portmore, Jamaica, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding current UV levels not only aids in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a significant role in reducing the long-term risks of skin damage and related health issues. With a tropical climate that often sees high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels can soar to 13, residents and visitors alike must stay informed to enjoy the beautiful Jamaican sun safely. By taking simple precautions based on the UV Index, you can protect yourself and enhance your experience in this vibrant coastal city.

Hourly UV Index in Portmore

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!

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	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Portmore

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 Portmore, Jamaica

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Portmore. 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 Portmore, 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 Portmore UV Index with Other Jamaica Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Portmore 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.

Portmore'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
Portmore	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