Playas del Coco, Costa Rica UV Index in September
The average UV index in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September is about 11.1 (Extreme), peaking near 12 at midday on clear days. Fair skin (Type II) can burn in roughly 8 minutes without sunscreen. Avoid direct sun between 10am and 4pm. SPF 50+, full protective clothing, hat and sunglasses are essential.
What is the UV index in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September?
Average UV
11.1
Extreme
Midday Peak
12
Clear-sky estimate
Fair Skin Burn Time
8 min
Type II, no sunscreen
How long can you stay in the sun in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September?
| Skin type | Time to first burn | With SPF 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | 5 min | up to 150 min |
| Type 2 | 8 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 3 | 14 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 4 | 22 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 5 | 32 min | up to 240 min |
| Type 6 | 49 min | up to 240 min |
Estimates based on Playas del Coco, Costa Rica's latitude and typical September 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.
Playas del Coco, Costa Rica UV Index by Month
When is the UV index highest and lowest in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica?
Highest: April (about 11.2). Lowest: December (about 10).
| Month | Average UV | Midday peak | Level | Fair skin burn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.1 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
| February | 10.6 | 12 | Very High | 8 min |
| March | 11 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| April | 11.2 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| May | 11.1 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| June | 11 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| July | 11 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| August | 11.2 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| September | 11.1 | 12 | Extreme | 8 min |
| October | 10.8 | 12 | Very High | 8 min |
| November | 10.3 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
| December | 10 | 12 | Very High | 9 min |
Common questions about UV in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September
Do you need sunscreen in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September?
Yes. A UV index of 11.1 is Extreme, so use SPF 30+ on exposed skin between 10am and 4pm and reapply every two hours.
Can you tan in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica in September?
Yes, UV of 11.1 is strong enough to tan. Fair skin can burn in about 8 minutes, so build exposure slowly and use sunscreen.
What time of day is UV strongest in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica?
UV peaks around solar noon, roughly 11am to 2pm local time, when it can reach about 12 in September. Mornings and late afternoons are safest.
Is September a good month to visit Playas del Coco, Costa Rica for the sun?
September averages UV 11.1, compared with a yearly high of 11.2 in April and a low of 10 in December. Darker skin (Type VI) can burn in about 49 minutes at this level.