Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Colorada, Panama, where the tropical climate contributes to intense sun exposure throughout the year. With UV levels often peaking at 12 during midday, awareness of these rates is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining healthy skin. Knowing when the sun's rays are most potent can help safeguard against long-term damage and discomfort. Whether you're exploring this vibrant town or enjoying its beautiful beaches, being informed about UV risks will enrich your experience in La Colorada's sunny environment.
As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches its peak intensity around 12:00 PM, soaring to a striking 13—a clear signal for outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions. The morning hours start gently, with a low of 1 at 07:00 AM, gradually escalating to 6 by 09:00 AM and hitting 9 at 10:00 AM. By 11:00 AM, the sun begins to assert itself with a 12. However, as the afternoon progresses, the UV intensity starts to wane, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM, and tapering off to a mere 2 by 5:00 PM. As daylight diminishes, the UV Index dwindles to 0 by 7:00 PM, inviting a much-needed respite from the sun’s relentless rays. Always be vigilant and protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 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 experiences significant fluctuations throughout the year, with consistently extreme levels from January to April, peaking at 14 in March, April, May, and July. February and June follow closely with a UV Index of 13, while the remaining months (August to November) maintain a high risk of UV exposure, with values dropping slightly to 11 in November and 10 in December, marking a shift to very high exposure. This data highlights January through July as the highest risk months, where rapid skin damage can occur in just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Colorada | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
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 |