Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, where the sun's powerful rays can have significant impacts on your skin health. With UV levels peaking around midday, reaching a staggering 14 at noon, awareness of these readings can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The tropical Aw climate of Santa Cruz brings consistent sunshine year-round, which means the risks of overexposure are always present. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can make educated decisions about sun protection, ensuring your time in the sun remains enjoyable and safe.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 5, preparing for a significant increase. The peak of the day arrives between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, reaching a sizzling 13 and then an intense 14—a reminder of the midday sun's power. As the afternoon progresses, the index starts to slide, dropping to 12 at 1:00 PM and gently descending to 9 by 2:00 PM. By late afternoon, at 3:00 PM, it falls to 5, then tapers off further to 2 by 4:00 PM and sinks to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles to 0 after 6:00 PM, marking the end of another day under the sun. Stay protected during the peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 5 | 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 |
The UV Index data reveals significant seasonal variations in ultraviolet radiation exposure, with the highest risk occurring from March through August, when the UV Index consistently reaches 14, categorized as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. February sees a peak UV Index of 13, while September through November gradually taper to 11 and 10 respectively, though still in the extreme and very high categories. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage. Even in the months of reduced intensity, such as December, vigilance is advised to protect against prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |