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UV Index in Costa Rica

Live UV forecast for 41 cities

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UV climate of Costa Rica: overview

Costa Rica stretches from 9.3674° to 10.9519° latitude (Northern hemisphere), so UV conditions differ a lot from region to region. The clear-sky UV index reaches ≈ 10.2 in San Isidro (peak in April), while in San Jose the yearly maximum is only ≈ 10.

UV index by month by climate zone

ZoneCitiesJFMAMJJASONDPeak
Equatorial32 8.5 9.2 9.8 10.1 10 9.8 9.9 10.1 10.1 9.6 9 8.5 10.1
Tropical9 8.5 9.1 9.8 10.1 10 9.8 9.9 10.1 10 9.6 8.9 8.4 10.1

Calculated clear-sky noon peaks at the average latitude of each zone. In the equatorial belt the UV stays high all year round, with two maxima around the equinoxes. Real values vary with clouds, altitude and ozone.

Sunniest cities in Costa Rica (highest UV)

San Isidro · 10.2 in April Alajuela · 10.1 in April Aserri · 10.1 in April Calle Blancos · 10.1 in April Canas · 10.1 in April

Cities with the mildest sun

San Jose · max 10 Liberia · max 10 Turrialba · max 10.1 Tejar · max 10.1 Siquirres · max 10.1

When do you need SPF in Costa Rica?

Using San Jose as a reference: the UV index reaches 6+ in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. In the sunniest zones (see table) SPF 30–50+ is needed almost year-round; in the mildest — only in late spring and summer.

FAQ: UV index in Costa Rica

What is the highest UV index in Costa Rica?

The calculated clear-sky maximum is ≈ 10.2 — in San Isidro around April. Values above this occur only near the equator and in high mountains.

Which city in Costa Rica is the sunniest?

San Isidro (peak ≈ 10.2), followed by Alajuela and Aserri. The mildest sun is in San Jose (max ≈ 10).

When is SPF needed in Costa Rica?

In San Jose and similar latitudes the UV reaches 6+ in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December: use SPF 30–50+ on sunny days. Protection is advised from UV 3.

Is UV 11+ possible in Costa Rica?

No — the local maximum is ≈ 10.2. UV 11+ occurs only near the equator, in deserts and high mountains.