The sun shines more directly on the tropics than on higher latitudes (at least in the average over a year), which makes the tropics warm (Stevens 2011).

The sensation of the sun being "hotter" in the Caribbean is due to the region's proximity to the equator. Because the Caribbean lies in the tropics, the sun's rays hit the Earth at a much more direct, vertical angle than they do in northern latitudes like the U.S. or Europe. This means the solar radiation travels through a shorter distance of the Earth's atmosphere, leading to less scattering and absorption of UV rays before they reach your skin. Furthermore, the Caribbean's high humidity and clean, maritime air often mean there is less smog or pollution to block the sun's intensity. In 2026, meteorologists also point to the high "UV Index" in the islands, which can frequently reach 11+ (Extreme) even on partly cloudy days. This intense radiation can cause a sunburn in as little as 15 minutes for fair-skinned travelers. The reflection of sunlight off the white-sand beaches and turquoise water also contributes to the overall intensity of the solar heat you feel while on vacation.