Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, where the sun can be both a source of joy and a potential hazard. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health. With the tropical climate typical of San Fernando, the UV Index often peaks dramatically, especially during midday, with Values reaching as high as 13—indicating extreme risk. Being informed about these levels empowers you to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle while protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Fernando | 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 |