Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Achiote, Panama is crucial for safeguarding your skin health and preventing sunburn. This tropical region, characterized by its warm Am climate, experiences varying UV exposure throughout the day, peaking at a staggering index of 14 around noon. Being aware of these UV levels allows residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable outdoor activities while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. With UV sensitivity especially high during the late morning and early afternoon, knowing when to seek shade and wear protective gear can make all the difference in your sun safety strategy.
The UV Index varies dramatically throughout the day, starting low at 7:00 AM with a reading of 1, making it a safe time for early risers. As the sun climbs, the index steadily increases, peaking at an intense 14 by noon, indicating a critical level of UV exposure. The intensity begins to wane in the afternoon, drifting down to 7 by 3:00 PM and dropping further to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index falls to 0, signaling a return to safer outdoor conditions as the sun sets. If you're planning to spend time outside, be sure to take precautions during the peak hours of 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM when UV radiation is at its strongest.
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 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | 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 |
The UV Index experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with consistently extreme levels from January to April, peaking at 14 in March, April, May, and July. February and June follow closely with a UV Index of 13, while the remaining months (August to November) maintain a high risk of UV exposure, with values dropping slightly to 11 in November and 10 in December, marking a shift to very high exposure. This data highlights January through July as the highest risk months, where rapid skin damage can occur in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Achiote | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
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 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |