Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Maria, Nicaragua is essential for protecting your skin and promoting overall health. With the region's tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, awareness of UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin conditions. During peak hours, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels—reaching highs of 14—indicating a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about these fluctuations, locals and visitors alike can take necessary precautions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience in this vibrant locale.
At sunrise, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 2 by 07:00. As the sun rises higher, the intensity increases swiftly, reaching a peak of 14 at both 11:00 and 12:00—the hottest part of the day. From there, the index starts to dip, descending to 9 by 14:00 and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As afternoon transitions into evening, levels decrease further, plummeting to 1 by 17:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hourly dance of UV exposure underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during midday when the UV levels are at their highest. Remember to stay safe and shield your skin when the UV Index is soaring!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 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 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | 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 |
| Santa Maria | 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 |