UV Index in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, a vibrant coastal town renowned for its beautiful beaches and sunny climate. With UV levels reaching a peak of 14 around noon, awareness of these readings is essential not just for preventing painful sunburns, but also for maintaining long-term skin health. As a popular destination in a tropical climate, San Juan del Sur presents unique challenges with its intense sun exposure, making it vital to stay informed about daily UV levels to enjoy the outdoors safely while protecting your skin.

Hourly UV Index in San Juan del Sur

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	8	very high	15 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	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 Juan del Sur

The UV Index exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with extreme exposure categories persisting from January through August, showcasing values as high as 15 in April. The months of March to August are particularly high-risk, with consistent values around 14, indicating a burn time of only 10 minutes during peak hours. As the year progresses, a slight decline occurs, with November and December experiencing values of 11 and 10, respectively, but still warranting caution due to very high exposure levels. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to reduce the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Juan del Sur. 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 Juan del Sur, 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 Juan del Sur UV Index with Other Nicaragua Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Juan del Sur 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 Juan del Sur'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
Masaya UVI	11	13	14	14	14	14	14	13	13	13	10	10
San Juan del Sur	11	13	14	15	14	14	14	13	13	13	11	10
Matagalpa UVI	11	13	15	15	14	14	14	14	14	14	11	10