Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Rio Grande, Panama, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful sun exposure. The UV Index informs residents and visitors about the potential for skin damage due to ultraviolet radiation, making it an essential tool for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. With a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and strong sunlight, Rio Grande often experiences elevated UV levels throughout the day, peaking at 13 between noon and early afternoon. By being aware of these UV levels, you can take proactive steps to enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself from the sun's harmful effects.
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!
| 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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with extreme exposure levels recorded from January to April, peaking at 15 in April and May. Notably, the high-risk months are January through May, during which the potential for sunburn is high with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although UV levels remain elevated from June to October, they stabilize at 13, maintaining an extreme designation. In contrast, November sees a slight decrease to 12, while December lowers to a very high index of 10, allowing a more extended burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, particularly during these peak months to mitigate 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 |
| Rio Grande | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 |
| David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |