Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of San Jose, Belize, where the tropical climate brings about significant sun exposure risks. With UV levels peaking at an alarming 13 around noon, awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and promoting long-term skin health. Higher UV exposure during the day increases the likelihood of harmful effects, making it essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Embrace sunny days while staying safe by checking the UV Index, ensuring your outdoor activities in this beautiful coastal region are both enjoyable and protective.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, with a modest 2 at 07:00, reminding us to take it easy in the early hours. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, signaling a slight increase in sun intensity. The real action starts at 09:00, where the index leaps to 6, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to soak up the rays. As we reach the peak at 12:00, the UV Index hits a sizzling 13, highlighting the importance of sun protection. The afternoon sees values gradually decreasing, with 12 at 13:00, tapering down to 9 by 14:00. As the sun dips lower, the index falls to 6 at 15:00 and further to 3 by 16:00. By 17:00, we’re back to a mild 1, and as dusk settles in, the UV Index drops to a 0, signaling it's safe to enjoy the evening without sun concerns. Enjoy your day, but remember to stay protected during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 6 | 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 | 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 |
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
San Jose | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |
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 |
Belmopan UVI | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 8 |