Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Bamboo, Jamaica, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, particularly in its warm, tropical climate. Understanding UV levels is essential as they can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, peaking around midday when the risk of overexposure is highest. With UV Index values soaring to 12 or even 13 during peak hours, it’s important for residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Whether you’re enjoying the beach or exploring the lush surroundings, knowing the UV Index can help you stay safe and ensure your outdoor activities don’t come at the cost of your health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern of solar intensity. Starting from a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM, the index escalates swiftly, peaking at a striking 13 by noon. This midday surge signals the need for sun protection as the index reaches its highest point at 12:00 PM, hovering around 12 to 13 until 1:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 10 by 2:00 PM and then descending steadily to 7 at 3:00 PM, 4 at 4:00 PM, and eventually dwindling to a safe 1 by 6:00 PM. After 7:00 PM, the UV level flatlines at 0, marking the end of peak sun exposure. Remember, during those peak hours, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, it's vital to prioritize skin safety!
| 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 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant variations throughout the year, reaching its peak during the spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV levels start at 9 and escalate to 14 by April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a rapid decrease in burn time to just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues through May to October, where the UV Index remains at 12 to 13, maintaining the extreme classification and a burn time of 10 minutes. In November and December, the UV Index decreases to 9 and 8 respectively, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from February to October, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term 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 |
| Bamboo | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 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 |