Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Portobelo, Panama, is crucial for safeguarding your skin health in this tropical paradise. With the region's warm, Am climate, the sun shines brightly and consistently, often resulting in high UV exposure risk, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM when the Index peaks at a staggering 14. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take essential steps to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring that your time spent enjoying Portobelo's stunning beaches remains safe and enjoyable. Whether you're lounging on the sand or exploring local attractions, knowing the UV Index is key to protecting yourself under the vibrant sun.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portobelo | 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 |