UV Index in San Juan, Panama

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Juan, Panama, understanding the UV Index is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV Index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not monitored. In this tropical climate, where sunshine is abundant, particularly during midday hours, residents and visitors alike face heightened risks. With UV levels peaking at 14 around noon, awareness and proactive sun protection strategies can make a significant difference in maintaining your skin’s health while enjoying the great outdoors. Stay informed and safe as you soak up the sun in this vibrant city!

Hourly UV Index in San Juan

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Juan

During the year, the UV Index remains consistently high, peaking at 15 in April and May, and rarely dropping below 11 in December, indicating an extreme exposure category throughout all the months. Visitors and residents should be particularly cautious from March to May, as these are the high-risk months when the UV Index is at its highest. Given the very short burn time of just 10 minutes, it is crucial to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. Staying informed and prepared can help ensure a safer experience in this region.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Juan, Panama

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Juan 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 Juan'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 Juan	12	13	14	15	15	14	14	14	14	14	12	11