Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz Verapaz, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. As a region nestled in the Cwb climate zone, it experiences a unique combination of high temperatures and UV radiation levels that can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage if not properly managed. Understanding the daily fluctuations in UV levels, particularly the peak index of 14 at noon, empowers residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely. Whether you’re hiking the lush landscapes or simply relaxing outside, staying informed about the UV Index can make all the difference in safeguarding your skin health.
As the sun rises, the UV Index steadily climbs, starting at a modest 2 by 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it jumps to 4, signaling that it's time to apply some sunscreen. The intensity peaks at 14 around noon, making 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM crucial hours for sun protection. As the afternoon unfolds, the index gradually starts to decline: from 13 at 1:00 PM to 10 by 2:00 PM, before dipping down to 3 at 4:00 PM. As evening approaches, the UV exposure diminishes significantly, reaching 1 by 5:00 PM and tapering off to 0 by 7:00 PM. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine, 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 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
| Santa Cruz 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 |