UV index

How strong the sun is today, and how to protect yourself.

Not yet available from GMS

The daily UV index will appear here once GMS publishes it.

What the numbers mean

World Health Organization UV index categories
UV index	Category	What to do
0–2	Low	Little protection needed
3–5	Moderate	Shade at midday; hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
6–7	High	Reduce time in the sun from late morning to mid-afternoon
8–10	Very high	Take extra precautions; unprotected skin burns quickly
11+	Extreme	Avoid the midday sun; full protection outdoors

Why it is so high here

Grenada is only about 12 degrees north of the equator, so the midday sun is high in the sky all year. On a clear day the UV index here commonly reaches very high or extreme levels, even in the drier months.

Cloud and haze lower the index, but thin cloud lets most UV through, and sand and water reflect it back at you. You can burn on an overcast afternoon at the beach.

Protect yourself

Plan outdoor work and exercise for early morning or late afternoon.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply after swimming.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light long sleeves.
Keep babies out of direct sun, and drink water often.