UV Index in Los Chiles, Costa Rica

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Los Chiles, Costa Rica is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With maximum UV levels reaching as high as 14 during midday, awareness of sun exposure can mean the difference between enjoying the beautiful tropical sun and suffering from painful sunburns. In this warm, humid Aw climate, outdoor activities can expose residents and visitors alike to significant UV risks, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when the index peaks. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take proactive measures to protect your skin and enjoy the vibrant beauty of Los Chiles safely.

Hourly UV Index in Los Chiles

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 2 at 07:00, perfect for a morning stroll. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, indicating a bit more sun exposure. The heat of the day peaks between 10:00 and 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to a striking 14 at 12:00. This is the time to take precautions! As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and falling further to 5 at 15:00. By the evening, it’s safe to venture out again, with levels decreasing to a mere 0 by 18:00 and remaining so through the night. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the beautiful day while knowing when to seek shade!

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	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 min
10:00	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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 Los Chiles

The UV Index varies throughout the year, with the highest readings occurring from March to July, where it consistently reaches levels of 14, categorized as extreme. This means that during these months, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, posing a significant risk to unprotected skin. February also shows a high UV Index of 12, indicating that February to August are the high-risk months for sun exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible. As we move into November and December, the UV Index gradually decreases, with December still presenting a very high risk at an index of 10, so vigilance is still encouraged even during winter months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Los Chiles, Costa Rica

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Los Chiles 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.

Los Chiles'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
Los Chiles	11	12	14	14	14	13	14	13	13	13	11	10
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
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