Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Easington, Jamaica, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine and UV exposure risks. A high UV Index can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, making awareness essential for maintaining skin health. With peak UV levels often reaching up to 13 around noon, it’s important to take precautions, especially during the summer months. By staying informed about local UV levels, you can enjoy Easington's beautiful beaches and outdoor activities while protecting your skin from harmful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, peaking at 13 around noon, signifying extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation. Early morning hours see a moderate index of 1 at 07:00 and a slight increase to 3 by 08:00. By 09:00, the intensity escalates to 6, and from 10:00 to 12:00, it reaches its zenith, hitting 12 at 11:00. The index holds strong at 13 just after noon, then gradually declines, dropping to 10 at 14:00. The afternoon brings a further drop to 7 at 15:00, before tapering off to 3 by 16:00, and eventually settling back to a low of 1 by 17:00. The evening hours cool down to a 0 UV Index by 19:00, marking a welcome relief as the day transitions into night. Remember, with a maximum UV Index of 13, adequate sun protection is essential during the 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 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 |
| Easington | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 |