Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Tucurrique, Costa Rica, where the sun’s intensity can pose serious risks to skin health. With peak UV levels reaching a hazardous 15 around midday, awareness of these UV readings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and help protect against long-term skin damage. Tucurrique’s temperate Cfb climate offers pleasant weather, but it also means that UV exposure can be deceptively high, particularly during the midday hours. So, whether you're enjoying outdoor activities or simply soaking up the natural beauty, staying informed about the UV Index is essential for your well-being.
The UV Index fluctuates dramatically throughout the day, starting low at 2 at 7:00 AM and rapidly rising as the sun ascends. By 10:00 AM, it peaks at a striking 12, signaling an intense sun exposure risk. As the clock ticks to 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, the index remains alarmingly elevated at 15, urging caution for outdoor activities. Around 1:00 PM, it dips slightly to 13, but the intensity quickly wanes in the afternoon. By 2:00 PM, the index falls to 9 and continues its downtrend, dropping to 5 at 3:00 PM, and finally settling at 0 after 6:00 PM. This data underscores the importance of protecting your skin during peak sun hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
| 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 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 |
| Tucurrique | 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 |