Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Parrita, Costa Rica is essential for anyone who enjoys the sun-soaked beauty of this vibrant coastal paradise. With its tropical climate, Parrita experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when the index can soar to a blistering 15. Awareness of these UV levels is crucial for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health, as just a short time in the sun can lead to serious damage. Staying informed means you can enjoy the sun safely, protecting your skin while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture this stunning region has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off gently at 2 at 07:00, but it quickly escalates, reaching a notable 5 by 08:00. By 09:00, it spikes to 9, signaling a strong need for sun protection. The intensity peaks at 12:00, where the index hits 15, marking the sun’s midday strength. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines; it remains robust at 12 during 13:00, before decreasing to 9 by 14:00. As the day winds down, the UV levels dip to 5 by 15:00, falling further to 2 by 16:00, and then tapering off to 1 at 17:00. By 18:00 and into the evening, the UV Index settles at 0, indicating a safe reprieve from sun exposure.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | 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 experiences significant seasonal changes, peaking from March to May, with a maximum value of 15 in May, indicating an extreme exposure category and a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes throughout these months. January through April also shows high risk, maintaining extreme UV levels consistently. As summer transitions into autumn, the UV Index remains elevated but begins to slightly decrease, hovering around 13 from August to October. Even in late autumn and winter, November and December continue to pose risks with UV indexes of 11 and 10 respectively. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautionary measures, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV months from March to May to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Parrita | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 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 |