Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Rafael del Norte, Nicaragua, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding the fluctuating levels of UV radiation throughout the day helps in preventing sunburn and minimizing the risks of long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by strong sun exposure, especially during peak hours—where the UV Index can soar to 14 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM—residents and visitors alike must take proactive measures to safeguard their skin. Regularly checking the UV Index can empower you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while ensuring your skin stays healthy and protected.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases swiftly, reaching a peak of 14 at both 11:00 and 12:00—the hottest part of the day. From there, the index starts to dip, descending to 9 by 14:00 and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, levels decrease further, plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV exposure underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV levels are at their highest. Remember to stay safe and shield your skin when the UV Index is soaring!
| 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 | 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 | 3 | moderate | 30 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 remains notably high, peaking in March and April with values of 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The summer months of May to October show consistent values around 14, maintaining the extreme category and reinforcing the need for vigilant sun protection. January and February also present high risks, demonstrating UV Index values of 11 and 13, respectively. Visitors and residents should exercise caution, particularly during the high-risk months from late winter through early fall, ensuring they wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to mitigate the harmful effects of UV radiation. In December, the UV Index slightly decreases to 10, classified as very high, but still allows for only 15 minutes of safe sun exposure, underscoring the importance of ongoing sun safety year-round.
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 |
| San Rafael del Norte | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |