UV Index in Costa Rica, Brazil

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Costa Rica is crucial for ensuring your skin health while enjoying the beautiful outdoor landscapes this tropical paradise offers. With varying UV levels throughout the day, awareness of these fluctuations can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Typically basking in a Cfa climate, Costa Rica experiences heightened UV exposure, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the index peaks at 6. Being informed about the UV Index not only enhances your enjoyment of sun-soaked adventures but also protects your skin from harmful effects—so grab your sunscreen and stay aware as you explore this vibrant destination!

Hourly UV Index in Costa Rica

The UV Index throughout the day peaks at 6 around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, signaling the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure during these hours. Starting off with a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, it gradually rises to a moderate 3 by 9:00 AM. From there, it climbs to 5 by 10:00 AM, reaching its climax at 6 during midday. As the afternoon progresses, the index declines, dropping back to 2 by 3:00 PM and further to 1 at 4:00 PM. By 5:00 PM, the UV Index reaches 0, indicating minimal risk for skin damage as the sun begins to set. For anyone spending time outdoors, it's crucial to stay sun safe during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	2	low	45 min
09:00	3	moderate	30 min
10:00	5	moderate	30 min
11:00	6	high	25 min
12:00	6	high	25 min
13:00	5	moderate	30 min
14:00	3	moderate	30 min
15:00	2	low	45 min
16:00	1	low	45 min
17:00	0	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Costa Rica

During the year, UV levels fluctuate significantly, with particularly high-risk months occurring from January to April and September to November. Notably, these months have an extreme UV Index of 15-11, with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The UV Index starts to decrease in May and July, where it shifts to a very high and high exposure category, allowing for slightly longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. August sees a rise again before returning to extreme levels in September and October. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during high UV months: wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, and seek shade when outside, especially during midday hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Costa Rica, Brazil

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Costa Rica. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Costa Rica, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Costa Rica UV Index with Other Brazil Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Costa Rica compares to other major locations across Brazil. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Costa Rica's solar exposure compared to other cities in Brazil. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rio de Janeiro UVI	15	14	13	10	7	6	7	9	11	12	13	15
Sao Paulo UVI	16	15	12	11	8	6	7	9	11	13	14	15
Costa Rica	15	15	13	11	8	6	7	9	11	14	15	15
Belo Horizonte UVI	17	16	14	12	9	7	8	10	12	13	14	16
Salvador UVI	14	14	14	13	10	9	9	12	12	15	15	14
Fortaleza UVI	14	14	15	15	13	11	11	12	13	13	13	13