Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors in Chisec, Guatemala, where the sun shines fiercely throughout the year. With a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant UV exposure, knowing the UV levels can be a game-changer for sunburn prevention and overall skin health. During peak hours, particularly between 10 AM and 1 PM, the UV Index can soar to a staggering 14, indicating an extremely high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. By staying informed about UV levels, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
The UV Index shows a dynamic rise and fall throughout the day, starting at a mild 1 at 7:00 AM and escalating to a peak of 14 by noon, indicating high risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 10 at 2:00 PM, then swiftly dips as the sun sets, falling back to 1 by 5:00 PM and ultimately dropping to 0 after 7:00 PM. It's a reminder to embrace sun safety measures, especially during those peak hours when the index climbs to 13 and 14, urging everyone to stay protected!
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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | 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 experiences significant seasonal variation, peaking in the spring and summer months. January starts with a UV Index of 10 (very high), which increases sharply to 12 in February and reaches an extreme 14 by March. The highest levels occur from April to September, maintaining an extreme 14 throughout, with the UV Index only dipping slightly to 13 in September. October also remains in the extreme category at 12, before dropping back to very high levels of 10 in November and 9 in December. Given these values, the high-risk months for sun exposure are from March to October, and it is crucial for visitors and residents to take proactive measures during these times—limiting sun exposure to no more than 10 minutes during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to avoid harmful UV effects.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chisec | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
Petapa UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Villa Nueva UVI | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 10 |
Mixco UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
Guatemala City UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |
San Juan Sacatepequez UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |