Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Porvenir, Panama, where the tropical climate brings strong sunlight year-round. As UV levels can soar to a blistering 14 during midday, being aware of these fluctuations helps safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin health issues. With peak exposure hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, awareness is key to enjoying outdoor activities while minimizing risks. In this beautiful coastal town, where sunshine is plentiful, staying informed about the UV Index not only enhances your outdoor experience but also protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
The UV Index fluctuates throughout the day, starting off gentle at 1 by 7:00 AM and gradually climbing to a peak of 14 around 12:00 PM. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index thrives at 14, indicating intense solar radiation that calls for protective measures. This high intensity lingers until 1:00 PM before slowly tapering off, dropping to 8 by 3:00 PM. The afternoon sun provides a more moderate exposure, with the index decreasing to 1 by 6:00 PM and finally settling at 0 by 7:00 PM. Plan your outdoor activities accordingly to enjoy the sun safely, especially during those peak hours!
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 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index remains remarkably high, consistently reaching extreme levels from January through September, peaking in April and May with a UV Index of 15. The risk of UV exposure is particularly elevated from March to August, making these the high-risk months for sunburn and skin damage, where the burn time is just 10 minutes across the board. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. It’s essential to remain vigilant year-round, as even in October to December, the UV Index remains at least 11, signaling the importance of sun safety even in cooler months.
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 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
El Porvenir | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |