Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Playon Chico, Panama, where the tropical climate can lead to heightened exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation. Knowing the daily UV levels can help you take proactive measures against sunburn and promote long-term skin health. With peak UV Index readings soaring as high as 14 during midday hours, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with outdoor activities, especially in this region. Whether you're enjoying the beautiful beaches or exploring lush surroundings, staying informed about UV exposure can make all the difference in protecting your skin and enjoying the sun safely.
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 remains notably high, particularly from January to April, peaking at 15 in April. The high-risk months for UV exposure are March through September, where the UV Index consistently reaches extreme levels of 14 to 15, necessitating caution for outdoor activities. Visitors and residents should be aware that even on overcast days, a burn time of only 10 minutes is sufficient to cause skin damage, emphasizing the importance of protective measures. It is advisable to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of UV-related health issues throughout these months.
UV Risk Categories
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 |
Playon Chico | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |