Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, where the tropical climate brings about significant sun exposure year-round. With UV levels peaking as high as 14, awareness of these readings is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Given that Scarborough experiences intense sunlight, especially from late morning to early afternoon, staying informed about UV levels helps you protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunshine safely. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays!
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 3 by 8:00 AM. However, by 9:00 AM, it begins to escalate significantly, peaking at a striking 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. This period marks the highest risk, urging caution under the midday sun. As the afternoon unfolds, the index steadily declines, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and further down to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels decrease to a mere 0 by 7:00 PM, highlighting the importance of sun safety during the day's peak hours. Stay protected!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV exposure remains extremely high, with the UV Index peaking at 15 in April. From January to November, the UV Index consistently exceeds 11, indicating a high-risk exposure period, particularly from February to October. Notably, the months of March through October pose the greatest risk, as the UV Index stabilizes around 14, necessitating extreme caution during outdoor activities. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take protective measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, regardless of the month, with particular emphasis on the spring and summer months where burn time can be as short as 10 minutes. Even in December, while the UV Index drops to 10, vigilance is still recommended due to the very high exposure risk.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scarborough | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 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 |