Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Alligator Pond, Jamaica, staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin under the tropical sun. Understanding UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, particularly in this coastal paradise where sun exposure can be intense. With a climate categorized as Aw, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the peak UV Index, which can soar to 13 between noon and early afternoon, posing significant risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Jamaican weather while safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index for the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in sunlight intensity. Starting at a minimal level of 1 at 7:00 AM, the UV Index quickly escalates, reaching a peak of 13 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This peak intensity, indicated by a level of 12 at 11:00 AM, highlights the potential for harmful effects on unprotected skin in just a short amount of time. As the afternoon progresses, the UV Index declines gradually, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM, then further to 6 at 3:00 PM. By the evening, the UV exposure reduces significantly, falling back to 1 by 7:00 PM and eventually to 0 at 8:00 PM. It's a compelling reminder that midday sun can be intense, urging us to stay protected during those peak hours!
| 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 | 13 | 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 |
| Alligator Pond | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 |