UV Index in Puerto Cortes, Costa Rica

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Puerto Cortes, Costa Rica, where the tropical climate brings high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. Awareness of UV levels is essential not only for preventing sunburn but also for maintaining overall skin health. With peak UV levels reaching a staggering 15 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it's clear that Puerto Cortes poses significant exposure risks, particularly during midday hours. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your skin from harmful effects.

Hourly UV Index in Puerto Cortes

The UV Index paints a vivid picture of the day's sun exposure. By 07:00, it starts at a low 2, gradually climbing as the sun rises. By 09:00, the index hits 9, signaling increasing intensity. The peak arrives at 11:00 and 12:00 with a blistering 15, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon unfolds, the index begins to decline: 12 at 13:00, dropping to 8 by 14:00. By late afternoon, the intensity diminishes significantly, hitting 2 at 16:00 and tapering off to 1 by 17:00. The sun sets with the UV Index falling to 0 by 18:00, wrapping up a day of notable solar activity. Be sure to protect your skin during those peak hours!

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	9	very high	15 min
10:00	13	extreme	10 min
11:00	15	extreme	10 min
12:00	15	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	8	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Puerto Cortes

The UV Index experiences extremely high levels throughout most of the year, peaking at 15 from March to May. Residents and visitors should take extra caution during these high-risk months, particularly from January through April when the UV Index remains consistently above 12. Even in the summer months of June to September, the UV Index remains at 14, indicating a persistent risk for skin damage. It is advisable to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours. Remember that even on cloudy days, UV rays can still pose a risk, so stay vigilant year-round.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Puerto Cortes, Costa Rica

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Puerto Cortes. 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 Puerto Cortes, 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 Puerto Cortes UV Index with Other Costa Rica Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Puerto Cortes 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.

Puerto Cortes'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
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
Puerto Cortes	12	14	15	15	15	14	14	14	14	14	12	11
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