Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Pedro, Panama, where the tropical climate brings both beautiful sunshine and elevated UV exposure. Monitoring UV levels helps in preventing sunburn and maintaining overall skin health, especially during peak hours when the index soars to dangerously high levels—reaching a maximum of 14 between noon and 1 PM. With San Pedro's typical warm climate, being aware of UV risks empowers you to enjoy the outdoors safely, protecting your skin while cherishing the vibrant beauty of this coastal paradise.
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 |
San Pedro | 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 |