Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone in Loma de San Pedro, Panama, where the tropical climate brings consistent sun exposure throughout the year. As the UV Index can peak at a noteworthy 13 during midday, being aware of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and overall skin health. With intense UV radiation especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, residents and visitors must take precautions to guard against skin damage while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Recognizing the dangers posed by high UV levels can make all the difference in preserving a healthy lifestyle in this vibrant region.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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 |
| Loma de San Pedro | 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 |