Last updated: July 2, 2025
In Macacona, Costa Rica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's tropical climate, the risk of UV exposure can escalate quickly, especially during peak hours when UV levels soar above safe thresholds. Understanding how to interpret these UV index readings, peaking as high as 13 at noon, empowers residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures against harmful solar radiation. Safeguarding your skin in this beautiful locale not only enhances outdoor enjoyment but also plays a vital role in long-term skin care. Make it a point to check the UV Index daily and embrace sun safety in this sun-soaked paradise!
At dawn, the UV Index begins its climb, starting at a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it rises to 4, signaling the start of a sunny day. However, the sun's intensity becomes more pronounced as the clock strikes 09:00, with the index hitting 8. The peak occurs between 10:00 and 12:00, where it surges to a blistering 13, urging sun-seekers to take precautions. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually lowers to 9 at 14:00, and further descends to 5 by 15:00. By 16:00, it drops significantly to 2, and rolls down to 1 by 17:00. Finally, as twilight approaches, the UV Index hits 0 at 18:00, concluding a day that swung from mild to intense sun exposure—illustrating the importance of sun protection during peak hours.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | 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 | 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 exhibits a notable peak from January to June, consistently reaching extreme levels of 11 to 14. The highest UV readings occur from March to May, making these months particularly high-risk for skin damage, with a burn time of just 10 minutes under direct sunlight. In contrast, the index begins to gradually decline in the second half of the year, dropping to 11 in November and 10 in December, although these months still pose a very high risk. As such, residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak months of March through May, to minimize exposure to harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macacona | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |