Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of La Palma, Panama, nestled in a region characterized by its tropical climate. As the sun’s rays shine intensely, particularly during midday hours, awareness of UV levels not only aids in preventing sunburn but also plays a vital role in safeguarding skin health over the long term. With UV Index values soaring to a peak of 13 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, the risk of harmful exposure increases significantly. By staying informed and taking preventative measures, you can fully enjoy the beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself against the sun’s powerful effects.
As the sun rises, the UV Index starts modestly at 1 at 07:00, indicating minimal risk. By 09:00, it climbs to a moderate 5, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The peak emerges around 12:00, hitting a noticeably high 13, and remains intense until 14:00 when it slightly dips to 11. As the afternoon wanes, the index gradually decreases; by 15:00, it falls to 7, and as evening approaches, it continues its decline to 2 at 17:00. Finally, the UV Index settles at 1 by 18:00, ultimately dipping to a safe 0 by 19:00. It's a day where midday sun protection is paramount!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
10:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | 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 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index shows significant seasonal fluctuations, remaining consistently high throughout the year. January to May sees particularly elevated values, peaking at 15 in April and May, indicating an extreme exposure category with a burn time of just 10 minutes. The months of March through September are particularly high-risk, with April and May being the most intense. Even during the latter half of the year, from October to December, UV levels remain concerning, ranging from 11 to 13. Visitors and residents should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, including using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
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 |
La Palma | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |