Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santo Tomas, El Salvador, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. The UV levels can reach their peak around midday, where the risk of sunburn increases significantly, making it essential to understand these fluctuations. With a tropical climate characterized by strong sunlight, residents and visitors alike face heightened exposure to UV rays, particularly during the hours of 10 AM to 2 PM when the index can soar to 14. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin and enjoy all that the beautiful Santo Tomas has to offer without compromising your health.
The UV Index today paints a vivid picture of sun intensity throughout the day. Early risers will experience a gentle start at 07:00 with a low of 2, slowly escalating to a more noticeable 4 by 08:00. As the sun climbs higher, the UV Index reaches a peak of 14 at 12:00—the critical midday moment when sun protection is essential. From there, it begins to taper off, dropping to 12 at 13:00 before plunging down to 1 by 17:00. As evening approaches, UV exposure decreases, ultimately settling at 0 by 19:00. Remember to stay sun-safe 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | 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 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.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santo Tomas | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |
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 |
Santa Ana UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 |