Last updated: June 2, 2025
In La Suiza, Costa Rica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the typical tropical climate, residents and visitors face significant sun exposure, particularly during peak daylight hours. Understanding the UV levels—which can reach a maximum of 15 between 11 AM and 12 PM—is essential for effective sun protection strategies. Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking in the beauty of this vibrant region, keeping an eye on the UV Index can help safeguard your skin from harmful effects, ensuring that your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, it reaches 9, signaling a more intense level of UV radiation. The sun fully asserts its strength by 11:00, peaking at an impressive 15. This maximum is maintained until 12:00, when the UV Index hovers at 15 before gradually tapering off in the afternoon. By 15:00, it drops to a moderate 5, and as the day cools, the index diminishes further, reaching 2 by 16:00 and dwindling to 0 by 19:00. It's a reminder to stay sun-safe during peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00, when the intensity is at its highest!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extraordinarily high, with extreme exposure categories dominating from January to November. The months of March, April, and May mark the peak, with a UV Index reaching 16, indicating the highest risk for skin damage due to sun exposure. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, especially from January to May, where the risk of sunburn occurs within just 10 minutes of exposure. As a precaution, it’s essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during midday hours. Even as we transition into the cooler months, attention to UV safety remains crucial, as November and December still present a notable risk with indices of 12 and 11, respectively. Staying informed and protected is key to enjoying outdoor activities safely year-round.
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 |
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 |
La Suiza | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 11 |
Paraiso UVI | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 11 |