La Fortuna, Costa Rica UV Index in October
The average UV index in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October is about 8.8 (Very High), peaking near 11.7 at midday on clear days. Fair skin (Type II) can burn in roughly 10 minutes without sunscreen. SPF 50+ sunscreen, protective clothing, hat and sunglasses. Minimise midday sun exposure.
What is the UV index in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October?
Average UV
8.8
Very High
Midday Peak
11.7
Clear-sky estimate
Fair Skin Burn Time
10 min
Type II, no sunscreen
How long can you stay in the sun in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October?
| Skin type | Time to first burn | With SPF 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 7 min | up to 210 min |
| Type 2 | 10 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 3 | 17 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 4 | 27 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 5 | 41 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 6 | 61 min | up to 240 min |
Estimates based on La Fortuna, Costa Rica's latitude and typical October sun angle. Cloud cover, altitude and reflection from water or sand can raise or lower the real UV. Check the live forecast before long days outside.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica UV Index by Month
When is the UV index highest and lowest in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
Highest: April (about 9.1). Lowest: December (about 8.2).
| Month | Average UV | Midday peak | Level | Fair skin burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.3 | 11.1 | Very High | 11 min |
| February | 8.6 | 11.5 | Very High | 10 min |
| March | 9 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| April | 9.1 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| May | 9.1 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| June | 9 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| July | 9 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| August | 9.1 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| September | 9.1 | 12 | Very High | 10 min |
| October | 8.8 | 11.7 | Very High | 10 min |
| November | 8.4 | 11.2 | Very High | 11 min |
| December | 8.2 | 10.9 | Very High | 11 min |
Common questions about UV in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October
Do you need sunscreen in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October?
Yes. A UV index of 8.8 is Very High, so use SPF 30+ on exposed skin between 10am and 4pm and reapply every two hours.
Can you tan in La Fortuna, Costa Rica in October?
Yes, UV of 8.8 is strong enough to tan. Fair skin can burn in about 10 minutes, so build exposure slowly and use sunscreen.
What time of day is UV strongest in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
UV peaks around solar noon, roughly 11am to 2pm local time, when it can reach about 11.7 in October. Mornings and late afternoons are safest.
Is October a good month to visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica for the sun?
October averages UV 8.8, compared with a yearly high of 9.1 in April and a low of 8.2 in December. Darker skin (Type VI) can burn in about 61 minutes at this level.