Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Cuapa, Nicaragua is crucial for ensuring your skin's health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high levels of sun exposure, residents must be vigilant about UV levels throughout the day. As the UV Index can soar to a maximum of 14 around noon, it's essential to take preventative measures to protect your skin from harmful rays. Being aware of these levels not only helps you enjoy the beautiful Nicaraguan sun safely but also promotes long-term skin health for you and your loved ones.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a dynamic pattern of sun exposure. Starting at a mellow 2 at 7:00 AM, the index climbs steadily, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it spikes to 8, signaling the need for sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM, hitting a scorching 14, making this the critical time for safety measures. The intensity gradually declines after 1:00 PM, as the UV Index dips to 12, followed by a notable drop to 5 by 3:00 PM. As the day winds down, the UV levels settle back to a low 1 by 5:00 PM, finally resting at 0 after sunset at 7:00 PM. Awareness of these fluctuations allows for safer outdoor activities and greater enjoyment of the sun.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with consistently extreme levels from January to April, peaking at 14 in March, April, May, and July. February and June follow closely with a UV Index of 13, while the remaining months (August to November) maintain a high risk of UV exposure, with values dropping slightly to 11 in November and 10 in December, marking a shift to very high exposure. This data highlights January through July as the highest risk months, where rapid skin damage can occur in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chinandega UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Leon UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Managua UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Masaya UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Cuapa | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |