Last updated: June 2, 2025
In Santa Cruz Balanya, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding the daily levels of UV radiation helps residents and visitors alike prevent sunburn and minimize the long-term risks of skin damage. The region's Cwb climate, characterized by its warm temperatures and high altitude, can lead to particularly intense sun exposure. With the UV Index peaking at a staggering 15 around midday, taking precautions during these hours is essential for protecting your skin while enjoying all that this beautiful area has to offer.
As the sun climbs higher, so does the UV Index, peaking at a striking 15 at noon. Starting off the day at a mild 2 at 07:00, the index steadily rises, reaching 11 by 10:00. By 11:00, it soars to 14, highlighting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. It's at 12:00 that the UV Index hits its highest point, urging caution for those outdoors. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines to 10 at 14:00, before dipping further to 1 by 17:00. As evening settles in, the UVI drops to 0 by 19:00, signaling that the day’s sunburn risk has passed. Stay protected during those midday hours when UV exposure is at its peak!
| 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 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data indicates a consistent period of extreme UV exposure from January through October, with values peaking at 16 in April. Notably, high-risk months for skin damage are from February to May, corresponding with some of the highest UV readings. In these months, individuals should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is only 10 minutes across all cases during this time. As the summer months progress, while the UV Index remains elevated, there is a slight decrease, with August to October recording values between 14 and 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with these extreme UV levels. As December approaches, while the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, indicating a marginally lower risk but still necessitating sun protection practices.
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 |
| 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 |
| Santa Cruz Balanya | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |