Last updated: July 2, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial in Falmouth, Jamaica, where the tropical climate brings abundant sunshine year-round. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike protect their skin, preventing painful sunburn and long-term damage. With peak UV readings soaring up to 13 during midday, it’s essential to be informed about potential risks associated with sun exposure. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy Falmouth's beautiful beaches while safeguarding your skin health against the sun's powerful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals striking fluctuations, peaking at a blistering 13 at noon. Starting under gentle conditions at 07:00 with a maximum of 1, the UV intensity gradually climbs, hitting 3 by 08:00. As the sun ascends, it reaches 6 at 09:00 and skyrockets to 11 by 11:00, warning sun seekers to take precautions. The pinnacle occurs at 12:00, where a relentless 13 signals the need for protective measures. The index then begins a steady decline, dipping to 12 by 13:00, before descending further to 10 at 14:00, and tapering off to 4 by 16:00. As twilight approaches, the UV levels fall swiftly, reaching a safe 0 by 19:00, reminding us of the sun's fleeting power and the importance of sun safety during those 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 | 11 | 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 exhibits significant seasonal variation, peaking during the mid-year months. January starts with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. However, as we move into February through October, the UV Index escalates to a maximum of 13, classified as extreme, with a dangerously short burn time of only 10 minutes. This extends from the intense sunshine of March through September, marking these months as critical for sun safety. As the year concludes, November and December see the UV Index drop to 9 and 8, respectively, both still in the very high category, allowing for longer burn times of 15 minutes again. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautionary measures during the high-risk months of February to October, such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
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 |
| Falmouth | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 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 |