Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors to Maria Chiquita, Panama, a region characterized by its tropical climate and abundant sunshine. With peak UV levels reaching a high of 14 around midday, awareness of UV exposure is essential for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Proper knowledge of these levels can empower individuals to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable outdoor experiences without the risk of harmful effects from the sun's rays. As you explore the beautiful landscapes of Maria Chiquita, keeping an eye on the UV Index will help you stay protected while soaking up the vibrant climate of this idyllic coastal town.
The UV Index (UVI) for the day paints a vivid picture of sun intensity, rising steadily as the hours progress. Starting at a mild 1 at 07:00, it quickly escalates to a moderate 3 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UVI reaches a significant 6 at 09:00 and hits its peak at 12:00 with a blazing 14. The intensity begins to wane after 13:00, slipping to 10 by 14:00, and gradually dropping to 7 at 15:00. As the sun starts to set, the UVI cools off, returning to a 1 at 17:00 and trailing down to 0 by 19:00. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety during the prime hours when the UV exposure is the highest.
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | 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 displays seasonal variations that reflect increased sun exposure, particularly from January to May, where it consistently remains at extreme levels (11-14) with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend indicates that March, April, and May are the highest-risk months, urging visitors and residents to take extra precautions during these months. While June to October maintains an extreme UV Index, it slightly decreases to 13. As winter approaches, November sees a drop to 11, followed by December's very high level of 10. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to practice sun safety measures—such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen—especially from January to May to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Chiquita | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |