Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Cerro Plata, Panama, where the vibrant climate falls within the tropical Af zone. With UV levels peaking at a striking 14 around noon, awareness of these levels is essential for sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. Knowledge of daily UV exposure risks can help you take appropriate measures to protect yourself against harmful rays, ensuring that your time under the sun remains enjoyable and safe. So whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the lush surroundings, check the UV Index to stay sun-smart in this sun-drenched paradise.
The UV Index starts off gently at 1 by 7:00 AM, a perfect time for outdoor activities with minimal sun exposure. As the day progresses, the index steadily climbs, reaching a moderate 2 at 8:00 AM and climbing to 5 by 9:00 AM. The sun continues to rise, peaking dramatically at 12:00 PM with a maximum of 14, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The intensity remains high at 13 until 1:00 PM, before gradually tapering off; it dips to 11 at 2:00 PM, and further decreases to 7 by 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UI sinks back to a comfortable 2 at 5:00 PM, finally mellowing to 1 and 0 as daylight fades into night. Plan your sun activity wisely to stay safe!
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 | 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 | 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 |
During the year, the UV Index remains remarkably high, consistently reaching extreme levels from January through September, peaking in April and May with a UV Index of 15. The risk of UV exposure is particularly elevated from March to August, making these the high-risk months for sunburn and skin damage, where the burn time is just 10 minutes across the board. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during these months by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours. It’s essential to remain vigilant year-round, as even in October to December, the UV Index remains at least 11, signaling the importance of sun safety even in cooler 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 |
David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Cerro Plata | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |