Last updated: June 2, 2025
In the bright sunshine of Golden Grove, Jamaica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding the UV levels throughout the day can empower you to take proactive measures to protect yourself. With a warm climate typically associated with high UV exposure, the mid-afternoon hours show particularly elevated levels—peaking at a dangerous 13 around noon. By staying informed about the UV trends, you can enjoy the beautiful Jamaican weather while safeguarding your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 13 around noon, making it a crucial time for sun safety. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM, and then surging to 10 at 10:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM, marked by a high of 13, before gradually declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, ending the day at a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that midday is the time to be sun-smart and protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | 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 |
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 |
| Golden Grove | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 |