Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Monterrey, Costa Rica, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage. With a climate characterized by warm temperatures and ample sunshine, Monterrey presents significant UV exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index soars to 14. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful Costa Rican sun safely!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 at 07:00. By 08:00, it jumps to a moderate 5, signaling a good time to apply sunscreen. The index peaks at a scorching 14 between 11:00 and 12:00, making this the most intense period of the day. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and further to 5 at 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV threat diminishes significantly, hitting 2 by 16:00 and dwindling to 1 and then 0 from 17:00 onwards. It’s a rollercoaster of UV exposure that reminds us to stay vigilant during those peak hours!
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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels remain consistently high, with an extreme exposure category noted across all months. The highest UV Index values occur from March to May, peaking at 16 in April, making this spring period particularly risky for sun exposure. Visitors and residents should be aware that the burn time remains a swift 10 minutes throughout the year, regardless of month. Therefore, it is crucial to take protective measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the peak UV months from March to May. Stay vigilant and prioritize sun safety to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure.
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 |
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 |
Monterrey | 12 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Paraiso UVI | 13 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 11 |