Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Cristobal Verapaz, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your health and enjoying the outdoors safely. With peak UV levels reaching an impressive 14 at noon, understanding these readings can significantly aid in sunburn prevention and overall skin health. Nestled in a Cwb climate zone, San Cristobal experiences unique weather patterns that elevate UV exposure risks, especially during midday hours. Staying informed about the UV Index empowers residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions and make sun-smart choices to safeguard their skin while basking in the beauty of this vibrant region.
At dawn, the UV Index starts at a gentle 1, but as the sun ascends, it quickly ramps up. By 08:00, it reaches 4, a signal to be cautious outdoors. The peak occurs at 12:00, hitting a striking 14, emphasizing the need for sun protection. This intense solar intensity begins to wane after 13:00, descending to 10 by 14:00. By the late afternoon, the UV Index drops significantly, falling to 4 at 16:00 and returning to a safe level of 1 by 18:00. As evening approaches, the UV threat diminishes to 0 by 19:00, marking a day where sun safety was crucial during those midday hours.
| 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 | 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 shows significant seasonal variation, with extreme levels persisting from January through October, making these months particularly high-risk for sunburn. The highest values occur in March and April, peaking at 15, followed closely by February with a UV Index of 13. As a reminder, the burn time during these months is a mere 10 minutes, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures. In November, the Index decreases slightly to 11, and December sees a further reduction to 9, classified as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to apply sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing, and seek shade, especially during the peak sun hours, to safeguard against the risks of overexposure to UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| San Cristobal Verapaz | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |
| 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 |