UV Index in Sonsonate, El Salvador

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sonsonate, El Salvador, where the sun shines brightly throughout the year. Knowing the UV levels empowers you to protect your skin from harmful rays, preventing painful sunburn and long-term health issues. With Sonsonate's Aw climate zone, which brings warm temperatures and direct sunlight, you'll often encounter high UV exposure, especially during midday when the index peaks at 13. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely!

Hourly UV Index in Sonsonate

The UV Index for the day demonstrates a significant rise and fall in intensity, peaking sharply at 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a staggering 13. Early in the morning, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the index starts low at 1, gradually increasing to 3 by 8:00 AM. As the sun climbs higher, a rapid escalation occurs, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM and hitting its maximum at noon. After this peak, the index begins to decline, dropping steadily to 9 at 2:00 PM, and later retreating to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, the UV Index has faded to 0, reminding us of the crucial midday hours to protect our skin from UV exposure.

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	3	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 Sonsonate

The UV Index throughout the year shows notable seasonal changes, with extreme levels prevalent from January to October. High-risk months include March, April, and May, where the UV Index peaks at 14, making burn time just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually declines in November and December to 10 and 9 respectively, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sonsonate, El Salvador

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sonsonate 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.

Sonsonate'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
Sonsonate	11	12	14	14	14	14	13	13	13	12	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