Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Santa Marta, Panama, is essential for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. With a tropical climate that often brings high levels of UV radiation, awareness of the UV Index can help you plan your outdoor activities wisely. During peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Santa Marta experiences dangerously high UV levels (up to 13), making it crucial to take protective measures. By staying informed about UV levels, you can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while minimizing the risk of harmful effects on your skin.
The UV Index throughout the day reveals a dynamic pattern that peaks dramatically around noon. Starting from 1 at 07:00, it gradually climbs to 2 by 08:00, then elevates sharply to 5 at 09:00. The sun’s strength intensifies significantly, reaching a peak of 13 by 12:00 and maintaining this intensity until 13:00. As the afternoon progresses, the UV index begins to decline, dropping to 11 at 14:00, and further down to 8 by 15:00. The evening brings a gentle descent, winding down to 1 at 18:00 and resting at 0 by 19:00. For outdoor enthusiasts, it's clear that the midday hours demand vigilance against sun exposure, while the early morning and late afternoon provide more comfortable UV conditions.
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 | 11 | 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 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data reveals a consistent pattern of extreme UV exposure across several months, with the most critical period occurring from January to April, where the UV Index reaches its peak at 15 in April. This indicates a high-risk for sunburn, with a burn time as brief as 10 minutes during these months. Although the UV Index slightly decreases from May to November, it remains in the 12-14 range, maintaining an extreme risk level, particularly from September to November. December sees a drop to 10, still categorized as very high, with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to take precautions, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak hours, especially from January through November, to minimize the risk of skin damage.
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 |
Santa Marta | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |