Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Ciudad Dario, Nicaragua, is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health against the sun's harmful rays. In this tropical climate, where the hot and dry conditions dominate, being aware of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. With peaks reaching a staggering 14 from late morning to early afternoon, residents and visitors alike should take proactive measures to protect themselves. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful Nicaraguan sun while minimizing risks to your skin—ensuring you stay healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
The UV Index peaks dramatically during the midday hours, illustrating the sun's intensity in compelling detail. Starting at a modest 2 by 07:00, it swiftly ascends as the day unfolds. By 08:00, it jumps to 5, and then reaches a significant 8 at 09:00. The sun is at its fiercest between 10:00 and 12:00, with the index soaring to 14, an indication to take extra precautions! As 13:00 rolls around, the UV level dips slightly to 12, only to further decrease to 9 by 14:00. Post-midday, the sun's strength wanes; it dramatically drops to 5 by 15:00 and decreases to 1 by 17:00, finally settling at 0 by 19:00. Such data highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours when the UV intensity is at its highest.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | 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 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index values remain consistently high, particularly from January to April, where they peak at 15, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The summer months of May through August maintain similarly high levels around 14-15, sustaining an extreme exposure category with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk gradually decreases in the fall, with September through October still classified as extreme, but the UV Index drops slightly to 13. November sees a reduction to 11, while December remains at a still significant 10 but categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, especially from January to April when UV levels are at their highest.
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 |
| Ciudad Dario | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |