UV Index in Placencia, Belize

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Staying aware of the UV Index is crucial for enjoying sun-soaked days in Placencia, Belize, where the Caribbean sun shines bright and strong. Understanding the local UV levels helps protect against sunburn and serious skin health issues, allowing you to make informed choices about sun exposure. With a tropical climate and peak UV levels reaching a staggering 13 around midday, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure, especially during the vibrant hours of 10 AM to 2 PM. Embrace the beauty of Placencia while keeping your skin safe!

Hourly UV Index in Placencia

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. Starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM, it gains momentum, reaching a moderate 4 at 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the UV Index peaks to a 7, and then surges to a striking 10 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun is relentless, pushing the index to a maximum of 13 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, there is a gradual decline; it drops to 12 at 1:00 PM, further decreasing to 9 by 2:00 PM. The late afternoon sees the UV Index easing to 5 at 3:00 PM, before trailing off into the evening with a gentle 3 at 4:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the index tapers down to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at this level until 7:00 PM, finally hitting 0 by 8:00 PM. Stay protected during those peak hours!

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	10	very high	15 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	5	moderate	30 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 Placencia

The UV Index experiences significant seasonal fluctuations, peaking at 14 in April and August, which are classified under the extreme exposure category, indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. February through October are identified as high-risk months for sun exposure, with the UV Index remaining above 11 throughout this period. Consequently, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take protective measures during these months, including wearing sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing, and seeking shade to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the year progresses into late fall and winter, the UV Index decreases, with November and December marked as very high at 9 and 8, respectively, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes before burns occur. However, vigilance remains key even in these months.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Placencia, Belize

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Placencia. 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 Placencia, 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 Placencia UV Index with Other Belize Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Placencia 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.

Placencia'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 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
Placencia	10	11	13	14	13	13	13	14	13	12	9	8