UV Index in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in Puntarenas, Costa Rica is crucial for safeguarding your skin and maintaining overall health. With its tropical climate and intense sun exposure, knowing the UV levels can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Throughout the day, particularly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, the UV index can reach dangerous levels, peaking at 13, which signifies very high risk. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while exploring this beautiful coastal region!

Hourly UV Index in Puntarenas

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.

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Puntarenas

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Puntarenas 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.

Puntarenas'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
Puntarenas	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