Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Morant Bay, Jamaica, as it highlights the levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure throughout the day. With UV levels peaking at a maximum of 13 around noon, awareness of these fluctuations is crucial in preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Given Morant Bay’s tropical climate, consistently high UV exposure can lead to increased risks of skin damage. Familiarizing yourself with the daily UV Index can empower you to take protective measures, ensuring your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe.
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 |
| Morant Bay | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 9 | 8 |