UV Index in Machuca, Panama

Last updated: June 2, 2025

In Machuca, Panama, understanding the UV Index is vital for maintaining your skin health and preventing painful sunburns. With a tropical climate characterized by high UV exposure, especially during midday hours, knowing the UV levels can help you make informed decisions about sun safety. For instance, the index peaks at a staggering 13 between 12 PM and 1 PM, highlighting the need for protective measures during these hours. By staying aware of the UV Index, residents and visitors can effectively enjoy the beautiful outdoors while safeguarding against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Hourly UV Index in Machuca

At dawn, the UV Index starts off low at 1 during the early hours, gradually rising as the sun climbs. By 09:00, it reaches 5, signaling a need for some sun protection. The peak occurs at 12:00, with a high of 13, indicating that the sun's rays are at their most intense—it's crucial to stay shaded and apply sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses into 14:00, the index drops slightly to 10, still warranting caution. Then, from 15:00 onward, the UV levels begin to decrease significantly, settling at 4 by 16:00. By the time 18:00 rolls around, the UV Index returns to a safer 1, and we bid farewell to the sun's severity as it softly fades into the evening, reaching 0 by 19:00. Remember to take care 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	3	moderate	30 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	10	very high	15 min
15:00	7	high	25 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 Machuca

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Machuca, Panama

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Machuca 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.

Machuca'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
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