UV Index in Panama City, Panama

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Panama City, Panama, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures against the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn and long-term skin issues. Situated in a tropical climate, Panama City experiences intense sunlight throughout the year, with UV Index levels soaring as high as 14 during midday. By staying informed about these levels, you can better navigate your outdoor activities and enjoy the sunny weather while protecting your skin.

Hourly UV Index in Panama City

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.

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Panama City

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Panama City, Panama

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Panama City. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Panama City, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Panama City UV Index with Other Panama Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Panama City compares to other major locations across Panama. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Panama City's solar exposure compared to other cities in Panama. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Panama City	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