Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone living in or visiting Villa El Carmen, Nicaragua, where the tropical climate can expose residents and tourists to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching a blistering 14 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By understanding UV levels, you can make informed choices about sun safety, such as using sunscreen or seeking shade during peak hours. Being vigilant about UV exposure not only protects your skin but also enhances your overall well-being in this beautiful coastal town where the sun shines brightly most of the year.
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 | 8 | very high | 15 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, the UV Index shows significant seasonal changes, remaining in the extreme category from January through July, with indices peaking at 14 in March through June. This translates to a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes, making these months particularly high-risk for sun damage. Although the UV Index decreases slightly in July to 13, the exposure remains extreme, continuing the trend through August and September. October also presents a high-risk period with a UV Index of 13 before dropping to 10 in November and December, where it enters the very high category and allows for a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures—such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen—especially from January to October, when the risk of harm from UV exposure is significantly elevated.
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 |
Villa El Carmen | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 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 |