UV Index in La Palma, Panama

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Palma, Panama, where the tropical climate exposes individuals to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. High UV levels, particularly during midday hours when the index peaks at a striking 13, underscore the importance of sun protection to prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin health risks. As you explore the beautiful landscapes of La Palma, it’s essential to stay informed about the UV Index to enjoy outdoor activities safely, minimizing your risk of skin damage while basking in this stunning environment.

Hourly UV Index in La Palma

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it escalates to 3, signaling some caution is advised. The intensity ramps up significantly, hitting 5 at 09:00, before peaking at an impressive 13 between 12:00 and 13:00. This is the prime time to protect your skin, as the sun’s rays can be particularly fierce. A gradual decline follows, with the index dropping to 10 at 14:00 and further decreasing to 4 by 16:00. As evening approaches, the UV Index tapers back to 1 by 17:00 and settles at 0 by 19:00, making the later hours much safer. Be sure to plan your outdoor activities accordingly to enjoy the sunshine while staying protected!

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	5	moderate	30 min
10:00	9	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	13	extreme	10 min
14:00	10	very high	15 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 La Palma

The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variations, with extreme exposure levels recorded from January to April, peaking at 15 in April and May. Notably, the high-risk months are January through May, during which the potential for sunburn is high with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Although UV levels remain elevated from June to October, they stabilize at 13, maintaining an extreme designation. In contrast, November sees a slight decrease to 12, while December lowers to a very high index of 10, allowing a more extended burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should prioritize sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen, particularly during these peak months to mitigate the risk of skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for La Palma, Panama

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in La Palma. 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 La Palma, 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 La Palma UV Index with Other Panama Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in La Palma 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.

La Palma'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
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
La Palma	12	13	14	15	15	13	13	13	13	13	12	10
David UVI	12	13	14	15	14	13	14	13	14	14	12	11