Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Chiriqui Grande, Panama, where tropical sun exposure can pose significant risks to skin health. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 14 during midday hours, awareness of UV intensity can help prevent serious consequences like sunburn and long-term skin damage. Given Chiriqui Grande's tropical climate, characterized by intense sunlight and humid conditions, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen is essential for safe outdoor activities. Stay informed to protect your skin while enjoying this beautiful destination!
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, a perfect time for outdoor activities with minimal sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index steadily climbs, reaching a moderate 2 at 8:00 AM and climbing to 5 by 9:00 AM. The sun continues to rise, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a maximum of 14, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains high at 13 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off; it dips to 11 at 2:00 PM, and further decreases to 7 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UI sinks back to a comfortable 2 at 5:00 PM, finally mellowing to 1 and 0 as daylight fades into night. Plan your sun activity wisely to stay safe!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index exhibits seasonal fluctuations that indicate a consistent level of intensity, particularly from January to October, where it remains categorized as extreme, thereby suggesting a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The highest readings occur in March through May, all peaking at a UV Index of 14. Residents and visitors should be particularly vigilant during these months, as well as in February and April, when the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. Even during November, the UV Index is still rated as extreme at 11. As the year closes, December sees a slight decrease to 10, which is categorized as very high, increasing the burn time to 15 minutes. It is crucial for individuals to take appropriate sun safety measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during peak UV times to mitigate health risks.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arraijan UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Juan Diaz UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| San Miguelito UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Panama UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Chiriqui Grande | 12 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |