Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua is essential for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 around midday, awareness of sun exposure is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Puerto Cabezas, situated in a tropical climate, experiences intense sunlight throughout the year, which heightens the risk of harmful UV radiation. By staying informed about the daily UV Index, residents and visitors alike can take proactive measures to protect themselves, ensuring that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and safe.
The UV Index shows a distinct peak as the day progresses, starting from a gentle 2 at 07:00. By 09:00, the index ramps up to 9, signaling a significant rise in UV exposure. 10:00 to 12:00 marks the time of highest intensity, reaching a maximum of 14 at 11:00. As midday passes, the values begin to decline, with the index dropping to 4 by 15:00. By 17:00, it falls to 1, and after 18:00, it dwindles to 0, indicating a retreat of harmful rays. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during those peak hours.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 4 | 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, the UV Index experiences significant seasonal changes, with the highest levels occurring from February to October, marking a peak with an index of 14 in April and May. These months, categorized as extreme, feature a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk remains high throughout this period, especially from March to September, when the UV Index consistently records at least 13. January and November see a slight decrease to a very high exposure category, whereas December brings the UV Index down to 9, still placing it in the very high category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to reduce the risk of UV-related harm.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Puerto Cabezas | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
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 |
Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |