Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, where the tropical climate brings about intense sun exposure. As one of the key determinants of sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health, knowing the UV levels helps you take necessary precautions during the peak hours of sunlight. With a climate characterized by high UV exposure, particularly soaring to levels as high as 13 around noon, staying informed can significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, ensuring you enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun safely!
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 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 |