Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Cockburn Harbour of the stunning Turks and Caicos Islands, staying aware of the UV Index is vital for both sun safety and skin health. Understanding UV levels is essential to effectively prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially in this tropical paradise where sunlight is abundant. The local climate sees UV Index levels peak at a staggering 12 around noon, highlighting the importance of protective measures during the midday hours. With this knowledge, you can fully enjoy the sun-soaked beauty of Cockburn Harbour while safeguarding your skin against potential risks.
The hourly UV Index today presents a dramatic journey through sunlight intensity. Starting off at 07:00, the index is a mild 1, gradually rising to 2 by 08:00. As the morning progresses, the UV rays escalate, peaking at a formidable 12 between 12:00 and 13:00, indicating the highest risk for sun exposure. Once the clock strikes 14:00, the index begins to descend, dropping to 11 and subsequently to 8 by 15:00. The late afternoon brings a cooling respite, as levels fall to 5 at 16:00, before retreating to a soft 1 by the evening hours 18:00 to 19:00. It's a classic reminder of how the sun's impact can shift throughout the day, urging us to stay protected during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV levels vary significantly, with the highest UV Index values recorded from February through September, peaking at 13 in April, July, and August. These months fall under the extreme exposure category, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes of direct sun exposure. January and November are also notable high-risk periods, with a UV Index of 8 categorized as very high and a burn time of 15 minutes. Conversely, December has a lower UV Index of 7 classified as high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these peak months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockburn Harbour | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Cockburn Town UVI | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 7 |