Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Juan Opico, El Salvador, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining your skin health and preventing sunburn. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by tropical temperatures and significant sunlight exposure, understanding the varying levels of UV radiation throughout the day can make all the difference. The UV Index peaks around midday with values reaching up to 14, indicating extreme levels of sun exposure. This knowledge empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions, ensuring enjoyable time outdoors while protecting against harmful effects of UV rays.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting from a gentle 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it ramps up to 4, signaling a day where sun protection becomes important. The intensity peaks dramatically at 12:00 with a staggering 14, the highest point of the day. At 11:00, just before the max, the index hits 13, making midday dangerously bright. After the zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, dropping to 10 by 14:00, and continuing down to 6 at 15:00. As the evening sets in, the index slips to a safe 1 by 17:00, and finally settles at 0 by 19:00, marking the end of the intense UV exposure. It's a reminder that staying vigilant with sun safety is crucial, especially during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UV levels exhibit significant seasonal changes, with the highest indices observed from March to August, where the UV Index remains at 14 and is classified as extreme, allowing for a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. The risk decreases slightly in September through October, where the index drops to 13, still in the extreme category. November and December see a further decline to 10 and 9 respectively, labeling them as very high, but with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Given these conditions, visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during the high-risk months from March to October, such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with high SPF, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mejicanos UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Soyapango UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
San Salvador UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
San Miguel UVI | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
San Juan Opico | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
Santa Ana UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |