Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in La Fortuna, Philippines, as the region's tropical climate and high-altitude position expose individuals to significant ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels soaring to a staggering 14 around noon, awareness of these values is essential for preventing sunburn and safeguarding skin health. By monitoring daily UV fluctuations, you can better protect yourself from harmful effects like skin aging and increased cancer risk. Embrace the sun safely in La Fortuna while enjoying its stunning landscapes!
The UV Index showcases a dramatic rise and fall throughout the day, offering insights into sun exposure. Starting at 7:00 AM with a mild index of 2, the sun's strength quickly escalates, peaking at 14 between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM—the prime time for those seeking a tan or outdoor activity. At 10:00 AM, a noteworthy peak of 11 demands caution for sun-sensitive individuals. As afternoon approaches, the index decreases significantly, slipping to 5 at 3:00 PM, then further dropping to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 after 6:00 PM. This data highlights the critical hours for protection against UV exposure, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, where the sun is at its most intense.
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
16:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, there are significant fluctuations in UV Index levels, with particularly high-risk months occurring from January to September. During this period, the UV Index remains consistently between 12 and 16, classified as extreme exposure levels that allow for a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. Visitors and residents should take careful precautions during these months, including wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade, especially during peak sunlight hours. As the year progresses into October through December, the UV Index decreases slightly, yet remains at considerable levels (12-14), warranting ongoing sun protection measures. Always prioritize skin safety, regardless of the season.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caloocan City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Quezon City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Manila UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Budta UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Davao UVI | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 |
La Fortuna | 13 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 |