Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Catalina, Panama, being aware of the UV Index is essential for safeguarding your skin health under the sun. Understanding the UV levels not only helps in preventing sunburn but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of long-term skin damage. Nestled in a tropical climate, Santa Catalina experiences high UV exposure, especially around midday when the index peaks at a staggering 13. With such intensity, it’s vital for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and take necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index peaks dramatically throughout the day, starting from a mild 1 at 07:00 and rapidly escalating to a max of 13 between 12:00 and 13:00. As the sun climbs higher, the intensity of UV radiation intensifies, reaching a pivotal 12 at 11:00—a clear signal to seek shade if you're outdoors! The afternoon sees a gradual decline, slipping back to 7 by 15:00 and tapering down to a gentle 1 by 18:00. As the day winds down, the UV threat diminishes, hitting a low of 0 by 19:00. Be sure to protect your skin during the peak hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00!
| 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 | 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels consistently observed from January to November. The months of February to April see the highest UV Index readings, peaking at 15 in April, indicating that these are the most critical months for UV exposure. January through March are also noteworthy, as they maintain a constantly high UV Index of 12 to 14, highlighting the need for vigilance during these early months as well. The sun remains powerful into the fall, particularly in September and October, where the UV Index remains at 14. In contrast, December features a slightly lower UV Index of 10, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions during high-risk months by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and minimizing sun exposure during peak hours. Always stay informed about the UV Index and adjust outdoor activities accordingly to ensure safety.
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 |
| Santa Catalina | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
| David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |