Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Penal, Trinidad and Tobago, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With maximum UV levels soaring as high as 13 around midday, awareness of these levels can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and reduce long-term risks associated with UV exposure, such as skin cancer. Given Penal's tropical climate, where intense sunlight is prevalent, being informed about daily UV fluctuations allows residents and visitors to take necessary precautions, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience. Remember, while the sun brings warmth and vitality, vigilance against harmful UV rays is key to safeguarding your well-being!
The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the sun's intensity throughout the day, peaking at a dangerous level of 13 between noon and 1 PM. Early risers will find the morning sun relatively mild, with a maximum of 1 at 7 AM and a gradual increase to 3 by 8 AM. However, as the clock approaches 10 AM, sun-seekers should take heed as the index escalates to 9. By 11 AM, it soars to a striking 12, reaching its zenith just after noon. The afternoon sees a slight decline, dropping to 10 by 2 PM before gracefully descending through the 6 mark at 3 PM. As the day winds down, the index plummets back to 1 by 5 PM, culminating in a gentle close at 0 by 7 PM. It’s wise to embrace sun safety measures 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | 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 exhibits extreme levels throughout most of the year, with particularly high readings from March to September, where it peaks at 14. January through February also show a UV Index of 12, classifying them as high-risk months for sun exposure. Visitors and residents alike should take extra precautions during these months, as the burn time remains consistently short at just 10 minutes for all but December, which has a slightly lower UV Index of 10 and very high exposure classification with a burn time of 15 minutes. It is advisable to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to mitigate risks associated with prolonged sun exposure during these critical months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Penal | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
San Fernando UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Mon Repos UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Chaguanas UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Port of Spain UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
Rio Claro UVI | 12 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |