UV Index in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In the lush paradise of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, understanding the UV Index is crucial for both your health and enjoyment. With breathtaking landscapes and a tropical climate, this region boasts plenty of outdoor activities, but it also exposes visitors to potentially harmful UV radiation. Knowing the UV levels helps you prevent sunburn and protect your skin from long-term damage. In La Fortuna, you can expect high UV exposure, particularly at midday when levels peak at 14, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Embrace the beauty, but remember: knowledge is your best defense against the sun!

Hourly UV Index in La Fortuna

At dawn, the UV Index begins at a gentle 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a peak of 14 by 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This midday intensity signals a crucial time for sun safety, as the index emphasizes the need for protection against harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the UV levels decrease, dropping to 5 by 3:00 PM and falling further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 6:00 PM, the index gracefully settles at 0, marking the end of a sun-soaked day. Stay mindful of these UV changes to enjoy the sun safely!

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	2	low	45 min
08:00	5	moderate	30 min
09:00	9	very high	15 min
10:00	12	extreme	10 min
11:00	14	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	very high	15 min
15:00	5	moderate	30 min
16:00	2	low	45 min
17:00	1	low	45 min
18:00	0	low	45 min
19:00	0	low	45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in La Fortuna

The UV Index shows a consistently high to extreme level from January to October, peaking at 15 in March and April, which indicates a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. High-risk months are from January through October, with stays at an extreme exposure category throughout this period and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. As we move into November and December, while the UV index drops slightly to 11 and 10, it is still categorized as very high and high, respectively, with a marginally increased burn time of 15 minutes in December. Visitors and residents should consistently use sun protection measures—such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade—particularly during the spring and summer months, to minimize risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Fortuna, Costa Rica

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in La Fortuna. 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 La Fortuna, 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 La Fortuna UV Index with Other Costa Rica Cities

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

La Fortuna's solar exposure compared to other cities in Costa Rica. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Limon UVI	12	13	14	15	14	13	13	13	13	14	11	10
Liberia UVI	11	13	14	14	14	14	14	13	13	13	11	10
La Fortuna	12	13	15	15	14	14	14	13	13	14	11	10
Alajuela UVI	12	13	15	15	14	14	14	13	13	14	12	10
San Jose UVI	12	14	15	16	14	14	14	14	14	15	12	11
Paraiso UVI	13	14	16	16	15	15	15	14	14	15	12	11