Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of El Cua, Nicaragua, where the warm climate and high altitude can lead to significant sun exposure. With UV levels peaking around noon at a high of 13, awareness of these measurements is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. In this picturesque town, the intense sunlight can pose serious risks if protective measures aren’t taken, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV fluctuations. Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or simply savoring the local culture, knowing the UV Index will help you protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and enjoy your time in this beautiful region safely.
The UV Index for the day starts off low at 2 by 07:00, but as the sun climbs higher in the sky, it rapidly intensifies. By 10:00, the UV Index peaks at a striking 11, soaring to 13 at both 11:00 and 12:00—a high risk time to be outdoors without protection. It gradually declines after that, slipping to 12 at 13:00 before descending to 9 by 14:00. As the afternoon wanes, the numbers continue to drop, reaching 5 by 15:00 and falling to 1 by 17:00. By evening, the UV Index drops to 0 at 19:00, marking a notable end to the day's hazardous sun exposure. Make sure to apply sunscreen during those peak hours to stay safe!
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 | 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 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from February to August, reaching an extreme of 14 during many of these months. The highest-risk months for UV exposure are March, April, May, July, and August, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Even in the cooler months of September to December, the UV Index remains notably elevated, especially in early fall, emphasizing the need for sun safety throughout the year.
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 |
El Cua | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |