Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Quesada, Costa Rica, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure. With the warm, tropical climate characteristic of this region, residents and visitors alike face significant UV risks throughout the day. The UV levels can soar to a potentially damaging 14 during peak hours, emphasizing the need for sun safety to prevent sunburn and ensure long-term skin health. Staying informed about the UV Index not only empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely but also helps you make informed choices about sun protection, especially during those intense midday hours. Remember, a few simple precautions can go a long way in safeguarding your skin!
The UV Index reveals a dramatic rise in sunlight intensity throughout the morning, peaking at an impressive 14 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This indicates a time when sun protection is vital, especially as it climbs swiftly from 2 at 07:00 AM to reach 8 by 09:00 AM, illustrating the day’s rapid increase in UV exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to decline, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM before diminishing further to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally reaching 0 after 6:00 PM. Thus, the midday hours present the highest risk, calling for caution and proper sun safety measures!
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 | 14 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, with extreme exposure levels from January through April and generally high values even in the summer months. The highest UV ratings occur in March and April, reaching a peak of 15, while December sees a slight reduction to a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, with a longer potential burn time of 15 minutes. For visitors and residents, it is crucial to be vigilant during the high-risk months of March to April when the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. To protect yourself, always wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during midday hours, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe burns and increase the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
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 |
Quesada | 12 | 13 | 14 | 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 |