Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Granada, Nicaragua, where the sun shines brightly in its Aw climate zone. With UV levels peaking high—reaching a striking 14 around noon—awareness of these levels can be the difference between enjoying the beautiful outdoors and suffering from painful sunburns or long-term skin damage. By familiarizing yourself with the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin during those peak hours—especially from 9 AM to 3 PM, when the risk of overexposure is significantly elevated. Stay informed, stay protected, and make the most of Granada's stunning sunlight!
The UV Index throughout the day exhibits a striking pattern, peaking dramatically at 14 around 11:00 and 12:00. Starting from a modest 2 at 07:00, the intensity quickly escalates, reaching 8 by 09:00 and hitting the extreme level of 11 at 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, it maintains a high UV index of 14 until 13:00. Afterward, the intensity begins to wane, dropping to 8 by 14:00. By the late afternoon, the numbers decline further, resting at 5 by 15:00 before falling to 0 by 18:00. For sun-seekers, it’s clear that the midday hours are critical for sun protection.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits extreme levels, particularly from February to July, with peak values reaching 14 and a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes during these months. November and December see a slight reduction to a UV Index of 10, classified as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. It is crucial to remain vigilant, especially when UV levels are extreme, to ensure safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
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 |
Granada | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Masaya UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |