Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Ciudad Antigua, Nicaragua, where the sun shines brightly and temperatures stay warm year-round. Knowing the UV levels can help you effectively prevent sunburn and protect your skin health, especially during the peak hours of exposure. With a warm climate typical for this region and a maximum UV Index reaching as high as 14, awareness of UV risks is essential to enjoy the outdoors safely. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful Nicaraguan sunshine without compromising your health.
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 |
The UV Index in this region remains consistently high throughout the year, with extreme exposure levels peaking from February to April, reaching a maximum of 15. This indicates that March and April are particularly concerning, as they coincide with the highest potential for skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes. While January and February start off strong, the UV Index slightly decreases in September and October, but still maintains a level of 13, categorized as extreme. November and December mark a slight reduction in intensity, but with values of 11 and 10 respectively, outdoor precautions remain essential, particularly in December where the burn time increases to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, such as wearing sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing, especially during these high-risk months to mitigate potential health risks associated with UV exposure.
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 Antigua | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Matagalpa UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |