UV Index in Acatenango, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Acatenango, Guatemala, where the unique Cwb climate can bring significant risks of sun exposure. The UV levels here can peak as high as 13 during midday, which poses a serious threat to skin health and raises the likelihood of sunburn. By being aware of the UV Index throughout the day, you can make informed choices about sun protection and enjoy your time outdoors while minimizing the risk of harmful skin damage. Whether you're hiking the beautiful landscapes or simply enjoying the sun, understanding these UV levels is key to protecting your skin and staying safe.

Hourly UV Index in Acatenango

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
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	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Acatenango

The UV Index throughout the year shows notable seasonal changes, with extreme levels prevalent from January to October. High-risk months include March, April, and May, where the UV Index peaks at 14, making burn time just 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually declines in November and December to 10 and 9 respectively, categorized as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautionary measures during these high-risk months by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sun hours to minimize skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Acatenango, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Acatenango. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Acatenango, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Acatenango UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Acatenango compares to other major locations across Guatemala. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Acatenango's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guatemala. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Acatenango	11	12	14	14	14	14	13	13	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