UV Index in Zacatecoluca, El Salvador

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Zacatecoluca, El Salvador, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin health against the sun’s harmful rays. Understanding UV levels is essential not only for preventing painful sunburns but also for minimizing long-term skin damage. With a tropical savanna climate, Zacatecoluca experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can soar to 13. By staying informed about hourly UV conditions, residents and visitors can take proactive steps to enjoy the sun safely and maintain their skin's vitality year-round.

Hourly UV Index in Zacatecoluca

The UV Index throughout the day follows a striking pattern, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a maximum value of 13. As the day begins, the UV levels are quite low, starting at 1 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing to a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. As 9:00 AM rolls around, the intensity escalates to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it reaches a strong 10. The intensity of UV radiation continues to soar, urging caution as it peaks at the midday hours. Following the zenith, the UV index gently descends, dropping to 9 at 2:00 PM and tapering downwards to 6 by 3:00 PM, before winding down to a mere 1 by 5:00 PM and 0 by 7:00 PM. This highlights the importance of sun protection during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

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	1	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	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 Zacatecoluca

The UV Index clearly demonstrates a pattern of extreme sun exposure from January through July. The highest values peak in March to June, with an index of 14, indicating the most critical months for UV risk. As summer transitions into fall, the index gradually decreases but remains at a high level through August and September. Notably, November and December present a slight reduction to very high levels, with a burn time of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautionary measures during these high-risk months, such as wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade to minimize UV exposure and prevent sunburn.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Zacatecoluca, El Salvador

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

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

Zacatecoluca's solar exposure compared to other cities in El Salvador. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Zacatecoluca	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
Santa Ana UVI	11	13	14	14	14	14	14	13	13	13	10	9