In urban areas, pavements can constitute up to 30% of the surface area, significantly influencing the urban heat island (UHI) effect by absorbing and retaining heat. This study explores the impact of albedo on the surface temperatures of asphalt, concrete, and interlocking concrete pavers in tropical climates. By collecting microclimate data, albedo, and temperature from three sites with different pavement types under uniform weather conditions, the research highlights how higher albedo can markedly reduce surface temperature. The findings emphasize the need for clear skies during albedo measurement for accuracy, noting that asphalt exhibited the lowest albedo, followed by pavers and then concrete. Variations in albedo across sites suggest influences such as pavement age and the type of aggregates used. The critical role of albedo in reducing daytime heat is underlined, advocating for the development of high-albedo pavements, potentially through heat-reflective coatings. An empirical relationship linking the cooling effect of increased albedo to solar radiation was also established, serving as a predictive tool for thermal performance in tropical climates. These findings provide valuable insights for urban planning and design aimed at enhancing thermal comfort in tropical urban settings, where the extensive presence of pavement plays a significant role in the UHI effect.