UV Index in Matina, Costa Rica

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In the tropical paradise of Matina, Costa Rica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels empowers you to protect yourself during peak exposure times, especially when the index soars to a striking 13 around noon. The region's humid tropical climate elevates these risks, making it essential for both residents and visitors to be mindful of their sun safety. From frequent beach outings to outdoor adventures, knowing how to navigate these levels can make all the difference in enjoying the sun responsibly.

Hourly UV Index in Matina

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 2 by 07:00, but it quickly climbs. By 08:00, it reaches 5, and by 09:00, it soars to 8, signaling a strong start to the day. The peak occurs at 11:00 and 12:00, with a striking 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, as the afternoon slips into evening, we see the index decline; at 15:00, it drops to 4, and by 19:00, it comfortably settles at 0. Remember to enjoy those midday rays while taking necessary precautions to protect your skin!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Matina

The UV Index shows an extreme risk of sun exposure throughout the first half of the year, peaking in March and April at 14 and 15, respectively, where the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. February through May remain high-risk months, with consistently extreme exposure levels. As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index gradually decreases but remains extremely high from June to October (with values around 13). November sees a slight reduction to 11, labeled as extreme, while December drops to 10, classified as very high with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should be vigilant about sun safety during these months, employing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak hours, to mitigate skin damage risks.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Matina, Costa Rica

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Matina. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Matina, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Matina UV Index with Other Costa Rica Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Matina compares to other major locations across Costa Rica. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Matina's solar exposure compared to other cities in Costa Rica. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Matina	12	13	14	15	14	13	13	13	13	14	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