UV Index in Santa Fe, Panama

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Santa Fe, Panama, staying informed about the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing painful sunburns but also plays a vital role in maintaining long-term skin health. With Santa Fe's tropical climate, which often sees high UV exposure, particularly during midday hours – peaking at an intense UV Index of 14 around noon – awareness of these levels is essential. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, residents can enjoy the beautiful sunshine while minimizing their risk of skin damage.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Fe

As the sun rises, the UV Index gradually climbs, reaching its peak during the midday hours. At 07:00, the index starts at a mild 1, but by 09:00, it has risen to a moderate 6. The true intensity hits at 11:00 with a sharp increase to 13, and just an hour later, it reaches its maximum of 14 at 12:00 and 13:00—a clear indication to take sun safety precautions. As the afternoon progresses, from 14:00 onward, the index begins to decline down to 11 at 14:00, then 7 at 15:00, and gently fades back to a low 1 by 17:00. By 19:00, exposure becomes negligible with a UV Index of 0. Overall, this data highlights the importance of protecting your skin during those peak hours when the UV rays are most intense.

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	10	very high	15 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	14	extreme	10 min
13:00	14	extreme	10 min
14:00	11	extreme	10 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Fe

The UV Index exhibits extreme levels throughout most of the year, with particularly high values from January to April, peaking at 15 in April and remaining above 12 until November. From May onwards, the index slightly declines but stays within the extreme range, indicating a consistent risk for skin damage from UV rays. December sees a drop to a very high level of 10, but burn times still remain short. Therefore, it is essential for both visitors and residents to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months of March to April, by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen frequently to mitigate the risk of sunburn.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Fe, Panama

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe'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
Santa Fe	12	13	14	15	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	10
David UVI	12	13	14	15	14	13	14	13	14	14	12	11