UV Index in San Juan, Panama

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Juan, Panama, is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, especially given the tropical climate characterized by high sun exposure. The UV Index provides a clear indication of the strength of solar UV radiation at any given time, allowing residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With daily UV levels often peaking at 14 during mid-day, awareness and proactive measures are essential to ensure skin health and safety in this beautiful coastal city. Stay informed about UV exposure risks, and enjoy the sun responsibly!

Hourly UV Index in San Juan

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a low 1 by 07:00. By 09:00, it ramped up to 5, marking the start of a more intense sun. The intensity peaks sharply at 12:00 with a striking 14, suggesting that outdoor enthusiasts should take precautions against overexposure. As the afternoon unfolds, the index tapers off, showcasing a gradual decline to 8 by 15:00, then falling to 4 by 16:00. As the sun sets, the risk diminishes, trailing back to a safe 1 by 18:00 and finally reaching 0 by 19:00. Remember, when planning outdoor activities, midday exposure is the most critical time to stay protected!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	14	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in San Juan

The UV Index showcases a strikingly consistent pattern of extreme exposure throughout the year, with values peaking at 15 in both April and May. Notably, the high-risk months span from January to October, where the UV Index remains above 12, indicating a persistent threat of skin damage with a burn time as short as 10 minutes. As such, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take precautionary measures year-round, including wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours. Awareness and proactive steps are essential to safeguard against the dangers posed by intense UV exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Juan, Panama

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in San Juan. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for San Juan, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare San Juan UV Index with Other Panama Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Juan compares to other major locations across Panama. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

San Juan's solar exposure compared to other cities in Panama. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
San Juan	12	13	14	15	15	13	14	13	14	14	12	11