Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Plymouth, Montserrat, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun exposure, reducing the risk of painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV intensity, particularly from 10 AM to 2 PM when levels peak at an intense 12, residents and visitors alike must be vigilant. Embrace the sun safely by keeping an eye on the UV Index and taking necessary precautions to enjoy Plymouth's beautiful outdoors without compromising your skin health.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dramatic rise from morning to noon, starting at a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM and climbing steadily to a peak of 12 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. This is the time when sun protection is essential, as the intensity can lead to skin damage in just minutes. After noon, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 9 by 2:00 PM and easing to 3 by late afternoon, before returning to a safe 1 by 5:00 PM. With the UV Index falling to 0 after 7:00 PM, the evening offers a respite from the sun’s harmful rays, making it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months. January starts with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. As we move into February and advance through March, April, May, and June, the index rises to 11 and 13, categorized as extreme, with a consistently low burn time of just 10 minutes. The highest UV Index of 14 occurs in July, followed closely by August and September, maintaining the extreme category. By October, it slightly decreases to 12, before dropping back to 10 in November and returning to 9 in December, both categorized as very high.
High-risk months for sun exposure are February through October, during which residents and visitors should take extra precautions, including applying sunscreen frequently, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours. Staying vigilant against UV radiation is essential for safe outdoor activities during these months.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Saint Peters UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Saint John's Village UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| Salem UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |