Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Ignacio, Belize, where the tropical climate can expose individuals to high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the day. With peak UV levels reaching as high as 13 around noon, being aware of these fluctuations is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially from 10 AM to 2 PM, can significantly increase the risk of skin damage. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy San Ignacio's beautiful outdoors while protecting yourself against the harmful effects of the sun.
As the sun rises, so does the UV Index, starting gently at 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, but the real intensity begins at 09:00 with a sharp increase to 7. The peak of the day arrives at 12:00, reaching a scorching 13, before slightly tapering off through the afternoon. Notably, 11:00 hits 12, making peak sun hours critical for sun safety. As the day progresses, the index drops to 6 by 15:00, tapering gently back to 1 by 17:00, and reaching virtually zero as evening falls at 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during those midday hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index experiences significant variations throughout the year, reaching its peak during the spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV levels start at 9 and escalate to 14 by April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a rapid decrease in burn time to just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues through May to October, where the UV Index remains at 12 to 13, maintaining the extreme classification and a burn time of 10 minutes. In November and December, the UV Index decreases to 9 and 8 respectively, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from February to October, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Walk UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| San Pedro UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Belize City UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| San Ignacio | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
| Belmopan UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |