Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Guapiles, Costa Rica is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health under the tropical sun. With UV levels peaking around midday, reaching a staggering 14 at 11:00 AM, awareness can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. Guapiles, characterized by its warm, tropical Af climate, presents unique exposure risks, especially during the hours when UV radiation is strongest. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the vibrant outdoors without the worry of harmful effects.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall, peaking at an intense 14 at 11:00 AM. Early morning starts off mild, with a maximum of 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually escalating to 5 at 8:00 AM and hitting 8 by 9:00 AM. The sun’s strength reaches its zenith at 12 and 13 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, making it essential for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions during these hours. Following the high noon glow, the index begins to decline, dropping to 11 by 1:00 PM and sliding down to 8 at 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progresses, the intensity wanes, with the UV Index falling to 4 by 3:00 PM and dipping to 2 at 4:00 PM. As evening sets in, it relaxes further, falling to 1 by 5:00 PM and finally 0 after 6:00 PM, signaling a safe end to the day for sun exposure.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guapiles | 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 |