Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Bluefields, Nicaragua, where the sun's rays can be particularly intense. With a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and frequent sunshine, awareness of UV levels helps prevent sunburn and protects skin health. Notably, Bluefields experiences peak UV exposure hours around midday, with indexes soaring to 13—a level that necessitates proactive sun safety measures. Staying informed about UV risks empowers you to enjoy the vibrant outdoors while safeguarding your skin from harmful effects.
The UV Index chart for the day reveals a dramatic ascent in solar intensity as the sun rises. Starting at a low 2 at 07:00, the index builds momentum, hitting 5 by 08:00, and surging to a peak of 13 from 11:00 to 12:00. During this crucial midday window, the sun is at its zenith, signaling the best time for sun protection measures. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, dropping back to 5 by 15:00, and further down to 0 by 19:00. This data serves as a friendly reminder to embrace the sunshine cautiously and stay protected during those peak hours!
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 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, peaking during the spring and early summer months. From January to May, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, with values reaching as high as 14 and a burn time of just 10 minutes. March, April, and May are particularly high-risk months, underscoring the need for heightened sun protection. Despite a slight decline in June through September, the UV Index remains extreme, and consistent precautions are essential during this period. As the year progresses into October and November, the index drops slightly to 13 and 10, respectively, transitioning to a very high category in November and December. Visitors and residents alike should take proactive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially between late winter through early autumn, to minimize sun exposure and skin damage.
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 |
Bluefields | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
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 |