Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Plymouth, Montserrat, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn, especially given the region's tropical climate. Understanding UV levels, which reach a peak of 13 during midday hours, allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions against skin damage. As the sun shines brightly with minimal cloud cover, the risks of overexposure increase significantly. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the sunshine safely while protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!
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 | 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 |