Last updated: August 1, 2025
In San Juan Chamelco, Guatemala, understanding the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. With a climate classified as Cwb, characterized by mild temperatures, residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant about sun exposure, especially during peak hours when the UV Index can soar to 14 around noon. Being aware of UV levels helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage, especially since even a seemingly mild index can pose risks. By keeping an eye on the daily UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while ensuring you protect your skin from harmful rays.
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan Chamelco | 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 |