Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone living in or visiting Roxana, Costa Rica, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a tropical climate, residents and tourists alike face significant UV exposure risks, especially around midday when the index peaks at a staggering 14. By being aware of UV levels, you can effectively prevent sunburn and promote better skin health, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that Roxana offers without compromise. Stay informed about the daily UV forecasts to ensure safe sun practices and make the most of your time in this beautiful region.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roxana | 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 |