UV Index in Chiriqui, Panama

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Chiriqui, Panama, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps you take essential precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage, particularly in a region known for its tropical climate. With peak UV Index readings soaring as high as 13 during midday, residents and visitors alike should stay informed about exposure risks to enjoy the vibrant Chiriqui outdoors while keeping their skin protected. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against the sun's harmful rays!

Hourly UV Index in Chiriqui

As the sun rises, the UV Index (UVI) begins at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to 2 by 8:00 AM. Things heat up significantly by 9:00 AM, reaching a 5, but the real intensity kicks in as the clock strikes 10:00 AM, soaring to a striking 9. The peak of the day arrives around 12:00 PM, where it reaches a blistering 13, sustained until 1:00 PM. After this peak, the UVI starts to decline steadily, dropping to an 8 by 3:00 PM, and then tapering off to calmer levels: 4 at 4:00 PM, 2 by 5:00 PM, and finally winding down to just 1 at 6:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV threat vanishes entirely, settling at 0. This dynamic timeline reminds us to protect our skin during the midday hours when UV exposure is at its highest.

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	13	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 Chiriqui

Throughout the year, the UV Index remains extremely high, with values peaking at 15 in April and experiencing little fluctuation between 12 and 14 from January to October. The high-risk months appear to be from March to October, during which the UV Index consistently maintains a level that requires serious sun protection measures, as the recommended burn time is just 10 minutes across all months. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly, and seek shade when outdoors, particularly during these months, to reduce the risk of harmful skin exposure to UV radiation. Regular monitoring of UV index levels is also recommended when planning outdoor activities.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Chiriqui, Panama

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Chiriqui 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.

Chiriqui'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
Chiriqui	12	13	14	15	14	13	14	13	14	14	12	11
David UVI	12	13	14	15	14	13	14	13	14	14	12	11