Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels plays a vital role in preventing sunburn and reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. With the region's tropical climate and high UV exposure, especially during midday hours when the index reaches a peak of 12, it's essential to stay informed about UV intensity. As the sun shines brightly and temperatures soar, knowing how to protect yourself can make all the difference in enjoying the natural beauty of this idyllic paradise while keeping your skin safe.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a distinct rising trend, peaking at a notable 13 around 1 PM. Starting from a mild 1 at 7 AM, the index gradually escalates, reaching 10 by 11 AM and soaring to its maximum of 12 at noon. As the afternoon progresses, the numbers slowly decline; however, values remain relatively high, dipping to 9 at 3 PM before decreasing further to 3 by 5 PM. The sun's intensity diminishes in the evening, with the index dropping back to 1 by 6 PM and remaining consistent until 7 PM. This data serves as a reminder to stay protected during those peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 |