Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cariari, Costa Rica is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining good health in this radiant climate. With the UV levels reaching an intense 13 during midday, awareness is key to preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Cariari's tropical climate, where UV exposure risks are consistently high, it’s important to be informed about daily fluctuations in UV intensity. This knowledge empowers you to take appropriate sun safety measures, ensuring enjoyable and safe outdoor experiences in this vibrant region.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting from a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ramps up to 5, signaling the need for some sun protection. The real intensity hits at 10:00, reaching a peak of 11, and by 11:00 and 12:00, it soars to 13—the core of the day where precautions are essential. As afternoon approaches, UV intensity starts to wane: it drops to 8 at 14:00 and further decreases to 4 by 15:00. The evening brings relief as the index falls to 2 at 16:00 and finally dwindles to 0 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder to stay vigilant during the peak hours to enjoy the sun safely!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 4 | 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 displays seasonal variations that reflect increased sun exposure, particularly from January to May, where it consistently remains at extreme levels (11-14) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend indicates that March, April, and May are the highest-risk months, urging visitors and residents to take extra precautions during these months. While June to October maintains an extreme UV Index, it slightly decreases to 13. As winter approaches, November sees a drop to 11, followed by December's very high level of 10. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to practice sun safety measures—such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen—especially from January to May to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cariari | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |