Last updated: July 2, 2025
In the sun-soaked paradise of Barranco Colorado, Panama, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health. Understanding UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in protecting against long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate that often brings intense sun exposure, particularly during midday hours when UV levels can spike to a staggering 13, it’s essential to stay informed and take protective measures. Embrace the beautiful outdoors, but remember: knowing the UV Index is your best defense against the sun's harmful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, reaching its peak between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a remarkable index of 13. The sun's intensity starts to build from 8:00 AM with a value of 2, rapidly climbing to 8 by 10:00 AM. From 11:00 AM, the heat peaks at 12, only to slightly wane to 11 by 2:00 PM. Gradually, the UV Index declines, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, and then diminishing further to 4 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index returns to a more manageable level, resting at 2 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. Stay protected during the midday sun, when UV levels soar!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index shows a high level of risk throughout the year, particularly from January to April, where it consistently reaches extremes of 12 to 15, with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. While May also maintains a UV Index of 15, it slightly decreases from June to August, settling at 13, although still classified as extreme. September and October see a slight uptick to 14, emphasizing that the high-risk months remain prevalent through the fall. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday. In contrast, December offers a brief respite with a lower UV Index of 10, allowing for a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes, but caution is still advisable. Overall, vigilance is key in safeguarding against UV radiation year-round.
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 |
| Barranco Colorado | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
| David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |