UV Index in San Cristobal, Panama

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Cristobal, Panama is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn, especially in a tropical climate where UV exposure can be significant. The UV Index can soar as high as 14 during midday, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Being aware of these levels allows residents and visitors alike to take appropriate precautions—protective clothing, sunscreen application, and seeking shade can make a big difference. With its warm temperate climate, San Cristobal offers beautiful sunny days, but it's essential to stay informed about UV risks to enjoy the sun safely!

Hourly UV Index in San Cristobal

At dawn, as the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index is a modest 1, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. By 08:00, it creeps up to 2, maintaining a gentle warmth. The real sunbathing begins around 09:00 with a notable jump to 5. However, it’s from 10:00 to 12:00 that the sun truly takes center stage, reaching its peak at a sizzling 14 at noon. As the afternoon unfolds, the intensity slightly wanes, dropping to 11 by 14:00 and winding down to 4 by 16:00. As the sun dips lower, the UV Index falls to 2 at 17:00 and finally retreats to 0 by 19:00, signaling the end of the day. Be sun-smart and enjoy the sunshine safely!

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	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	8	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Cristobal

The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal changes, remaining consistently high throughout the year, with particularly intense periods from January to April, where values peak at 15. The highest risk months are March and April, when the UV Index reaches its maximum of 15, categorized as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen with high SPF, especially during these months. While the UV Index remains extreme from January through October, it decreases slightly in November and drops to 10 in December, indicating only a very high risk with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Year-round vigilance against UV exposure is essential for skin health.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Cristobal, Panama

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Cristobal. 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 Cristobal, 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 Cristobal UV Index with Other Panama Cities

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

San Cristobal's solar exposure compared to other cities in Panama. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
David UVI	12	13	14	15	14	13	14	13	14	14	12	11
San Cristobal	12	13	15	15	14	14	14	13	14	14	12	10