Last updated: May 3, 2025
Awareness of the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Machuca, Panama, a region known for its warm, tropical climate. Understanding UV levels helps safeguard against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it essential for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers alike. With peak UV exposure reaching up to 14 between noon and early afternoon, Machuca poses significant risks for unprotected skin. By keeping a close eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the vibrant sunshine while ensuring your skin's health remains a top priority.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it climbs to 3, signaling the need for some sun protection. The real intensity hits at 10:00 AM, peaking at a staggering 10, and it doesn't stop there! At 11:00 AM, the index skyrockets to 13 and maintains an impressive 14 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. However, as the afternoon progresses, the intensity decreases, dropping to 11 at 2:00 PM and further declining to 7 by 3:00 PM. The day winds down with a gentle dip to 4 at 4:00 PM, before plummeting back to 1 by 5:00 PM and trailing off to 0 by 7:00 PM. Remember, during peak hours, staying protected is key!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, the UV Index remains notably high, particularly from January to April, when it peaks at 15 in April, classifying exposure as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes. May through September sustain similar levels, with UV indices between 13 to 14, marking these months as high-risk for sun exposure. Consequently, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen consistently. October and November offer slightly lower indices at 13 and 12, respectively, while December sees a slight drop to 10, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Regardless of the month, caution is advised due to the consistently high UV levels in this region.
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 |
Machuca | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |