Last updated: July 2, 2025
Being aware of the UV Index in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's tropical climate, understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage, especially during peak hours when the index soars past 10. Between 10 AM and 2 PM, UV exposure risks are at their highest, often reaching values of 13, where precautionary measures are essential. Stay informed and enjoy the beautiful Nicaraguan sun safely!
The UV index throughout the day presents an intriguing journey of exposure, peaking at 13 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—the sun's most intense moment. Starting from a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index swiftly escalates, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM and soaring to a substantial 11 at 10:00 AM. Just one hour later, it reaches its zenith, radiating at 13, before gradually descending as the afternoon wanes. By 3:00 PM, it's a more manageable 5, eventually dwindling down to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe retreat from the sun's rays. This dynamic UV pattern serves as a reminder to stay vigilant under the sun, especially during its peak hours when protective measures are essential.
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | 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, 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 |