Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Chisec, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing sunburn. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors make informed choices about sun exposure, while the region’s tropical climate often leads to high UV radiation, especially during midday hours when the index can soar as high as 14. With the sun’s intensity peaking from 10 AM to 1 PM, it’s vital to take precautions to protect your skin and enjoy the beautiful outdoor experiences that Chisec has to offer safely.
The UV Index throughout the day displays a dramatic rise and fall, serving as a reminder to take sun safety precautions. Starting at 2 at 7:00 AM, the index quickly escalates, reaching 10 by 10:00 AM, peaking at an impressive 14 around 12:00 PM. This midday intensity signals the importance of protective measures against harmful rays. As the afternoon progresses, the index retreats, dropping to 7 by 3:00 PM and gently tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, it sinks to 0, indicating a clear sky free from UV threat. Enjoy the sun, but remember to protect your skin 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 | 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 | 7 | 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 |