Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for everyone living in or visiting San Jose, Belize. With its tropical climate, this vibrant town experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation, peaking around noon when the index can soar to a formidable 13. Being aware of these UV levels is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining optimal skin health, especially during outdoor activities. As you explore the beauty of San Jose, a little knowledge about the UV Index can go a long way in protecting your skin from harmful rays and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience under the sun.
The UV Index today displays a dynamic pattern, peaking at a striking 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling the strongest sun exposure of the day. Early risers will enjoy a low UV of just 2 at 7:00 AM, but as the sun ascends, the index climbs sharply, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM and hitting 12 at 11:00 AM. As the afternoon unfolds, it gradually dips to 9 at 2:00 PM and then decreases further to 6 by 3:00 PM. By the evening, the UV Index drops significantly, plummeting to 1 at both 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and falling to 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay safe and protect your skin during those peak hours!
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 | 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 |