Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Valley of Peace, Belize, a beautiful region that enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round. With UV levels peaking at a dangerous 13 around midday, awareness of these figures can be a game changer when it comes to sunburn prevention and skin health. High UV exposure, particularly during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM, necessitates vigilance to protect your skin from potential harm, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while embracing the stunning outdoors that this vibrant valley has to offer.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, peaking at 13 around noon, making it a crucial time for sun safety. Starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, the index steadily climbs, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM, and then surging to 10 at 10:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM, marked by a high of 13, before gradually declining to 6 by 3:00 PM. As the afternoon wanes, the values drop further, ending the day at a safe 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s clear that midday is the time to be sun-smart and protect your skin!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | 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 shows significant seasonal variations, with the highest levels occurring from February to October, where the exposure category reaches extreme levels. March through April registers the highest index at 14. The months of February through October are particularly high-risk, with burn times as low as 10 minutes. During this critical period, it’s essential for visitors and residents to take proper precautions against UV radiation exposure, such as wearing protective clothing, using high-SPF sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. In contrast, the months of November to January see a decline in UV intensity, though individuals should still remain cautious, particularly in January, with a UV Index of 9 and a burn time of 15 minutes.
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 UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Valley of Peace | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
Belmopan UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |