UV Index in San Carlos, Nicaragua

Last updated: August 1, 2025

In San Carlos, Nicaragua, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. Understanding UV levels helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high exposure risks, particularly during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 14, awareness becomes essential for enjoying the beautiful outdoors without compromising your wellbeing. By monitoring the UV Index, you can make informed decisions about sun protection and outdoor activities throughout the day.

Hourly UV Index in San Carlos

As the sun rises, the UV Index starts off low at 2 at 07:00, perfect for a morning stroll. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, indicating a bit more sun exposure. The heat of the day peaks between 10:00 and 12:00, with the UV Index soaring to a striking 14 at 12:00. This is the time to take precautions! As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually declines, dropping to 9 by 14:00 and falling further to 5 at 15:00. By the evening, it’s safe to venture out again, with levels decreasing to a mere 0 by 18:00 and remaining so through the night. Stay sun-smart and enjoy the beautiful day while knowing when to seek shade!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Carlos

The UV Index varies throughout the year, with the highest readings occurring from March to July, where it consistently reaches levels of 14, categorized as extreme. This means that during these months, the burn time is as short as 10 minutes, posing a significant risk to unprotected skin. February also shows a high UV Index of 12, indicating that February to August are the high-risk months for sun exposure. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take necessary precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade whenever possible. As we move into November and December, the UV Index gradually decreases, with December still presenting a very high risk at an index of 10, so vigilance is still encouraged even during winter months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Carlos, Nicaragua

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Carlos. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for San Carlos, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare San Carlos UV Index with Other Nicaragua Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Carlos compares to other major locations across Nicaragua. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

San Carlos's solar exposure compared to other cities in Nicaragua. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
San Carlos	11	12	14	14	14	13	14	13	13	13	11	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