UV Index in Santiago, Costa Rica

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Santiago, Costa Rica, the UV Index serves as a vital tool for understanding and managing sun exposure, especially given the region's tropical climate. The UV levels typically soar from mid-morning to early afternoon, peaking at a staggering 15 around noon, highlighting the importance of being proactive about sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With the potential for severe damage in such conditions, being aware of the UV Index not only helps protect your skin but also enhances your outdoor experiences by allowing you to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Santiago safely. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of the beautiful sunshine!

Hourly UV Index in Santiago

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.

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santiago

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santiago, Costa Rica

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santiago 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.

Santiago'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
Santiago	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