Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Nueva Providencia, Panama, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With a tropical climate that typically exposes residents and visitors to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, understanding these UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage. During peak hours, particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the UV Index can soar to dangerous levels—reaching as high as 14—making it essential to plan outdoor activities accordingly. By being aware of the UV Index, you can take the necessary precautions to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its steady climb, starting at a mild 1 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it nudges up to 3, signaling the need for some caution. The intensity reaches a notable 6 by 9:00 AM, but it’s from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM when the sun truly asserts its power, peaking at a scorching 14 at noon. Fortunately, the index starts to dip slightly, maintaining a robust 10 at 2:00 PM before gradually descending to a 1 by late afternoon. As daylight wanes, the UV Index drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, bringing a welcome relief as the day comes to a close. Stay sun-smart and protect your skin during those peak hours!
| 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 | 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 |
The UV Index displays a notable trend of extreme exposure levels throughout the year, particularly from January to August, with values ranging from 12 to 15. High-risk months for UV exposure are marked from March to May, when the index peaks at 14 to 15, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. Even as the summer months transition into fall, levels remain dangerously high. It's crucial for visitors and residents alike to be aware of these risks; protective measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential, especially during these high-risk periods. While November and December show slightly reduced UV indexes, caution is still advised, as even lower levels can present risks for prolonged exposure. Always prioritize sun safety to reduce the likelihood of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nueva Providencia | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 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 |