Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where the tropical climate brings with it both sunshine and significant UV exposure risks. With UV levels peaking around midday at an alarming 13, awareness of these measurements is essential to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. As you enjoy the beautiful beaches and vibrant outdoors, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in enjoying your time under the sun safely. Stay informed and safeguard your skin while soaking up the sun in this gorgeous destination!
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 |
| Ocho Rios | 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 |