Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Cockburn Harbour, Turks and Caicos Islands, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and ensuring overall health under the sun. With the island's tropical climate, UV levels can soar, peaking at 12 during midday hours—indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Knowing these levels enables residents and visitors alike to take preventative measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Stay informed and enjoy the breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture of Cockburn Harbour while keeping your skin safe!
At dawn, the UV Index starts off gently, peaking at just 1 by 7:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, its intensity increases rapidly, reaching 4 by 9:00 AM and striking 10 by 11:00 AM—a clear warning to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. The highest reading of 12 occurs at both noon and 1:00 PM, indicating peak solar intensity. Fortunately, as afternoon approaches, the index begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM and further declining to below 5 by 4:00 PM. By the time 7:00 PM rolls around, the UV danger has diminished significantly, settling back to a safe 1. Stay protected during those intense midday 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 | 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 |