Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Raya de Santa Maria, Panama, is essential for protecting your skin and overall health. As a region characterized by its tropical climate, residents and visitors face significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours when the index can soar to a dangerous 13. Being aware of these levels is crucial for preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors safely. With a UV Index that ranges from low to extreme, knowledge of when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can make all the difference in keeping your skin healthy under the sun’s powerful rays.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises steadily, reaching its peak between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM with a remarkable index of 13. The sun's intensity starts to build from 8:00 AM with a value of 2, rapidly climbing to 8 by 10:00 AM. From 11:00 AM, the heat peaks at 12, only to slightly wane to 11 by 2:00 PM. Gradually, the UV Index declines, dropping to 8 at 3:00 PM, and then diminishing further to 4 by 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index returns to a more manageable level, resting at 2 by 5:00 PM and finally settling at 0 after 7:00 PM. Stay protected during the midday sun, when UV levels soar!
| 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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 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 a high level of risk throughout the year, particularly from January to April, where it consistently reaches extremes of 12 to 15, with a very short burn time of just 10 minutes. While May also maintains a UV Index of 15, it slightly decreases from June to August, settling at 13, although still classified as extreme. September and October see a slight uptick to 14, emphasizing that the high-risk months remain prevalent through the fall. Visitors and residents should take extra precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure, particularly during midday. In contrast, December offers a brief respite with a lower UV Index of 10, allowing for a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes, but caution is still advisable. Overall, vigilance is key in safeguarding against UV radiation year-round.
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 Raya de Santa Maria | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 |
| David UVI | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 11 |