UV Index in Orange Walk, Belize

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Orange Walk, Belize, where the tropical climate can lead to high UV exposure, especially during midday hours. Being aware of the UV levels helps you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and protect your skin health. With peak UV Index readings often soaring to 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, it's essential to stay informed about the risks associated with overexposure to the sun. By learning about the UV Index, you can ensure safer outdoor experiences while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Orange Walk.

Hourly UV Index in Orange Walk

The UV Index for today presents a dynamic range, peaking significantly during the midday hours. Starting at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index climbs steadily to a moderate 4 by 08:00. However, as the sun rises higher, it surges to a striking 11 at 10:00, reaching its zenith with a critical 13 by 11:00 and holding steady until 12:00. As the afternoon sets in, the index begins a descent, tapering off to 12 at 13:00, then dropping to 9 by 14:00. The late afternoon brings further relief, with readings declining to 6 at 15:00, and continuing downwards to 1 by 17:00. As the sun retreats, the index falls to 0 by 19:00, marking a dramatic end to the day's UV exposure. Remember to protect your skin during those peak hours to enjoy the sunshine safely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	11	extreme	10 min
11:00	13	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	extreme	10 min
14:00	9	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Orange Walk

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Orange Walk, Belize

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Orange Walk. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Orange Walk, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Orange Walk UV Index with Other Belize Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Orange Walk compares to other major locations across Belize. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Orange Walk's solar exposure compared to other cities in Belize. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Orange Walk	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
Belmopan UVI	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	14	13	12	9	8