Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors to Sanarate, Guatemala, where the climate trends towards hot and sunny, presenting notable risks for skin health and sunburn. With UV levels peaking at a staggering 14 around noon, it’s crucial to be aware of these fluctuations throughout the day. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your skin, ensuring safe outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of harmful UV exposure. Whether you're planning a stroll or indulging in outdoor adventures, being informed about the UV Index can make all the difference for your health and well-being in this vibrant locale.
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 | 4 | 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 remains consistently high throughout the year, with particularly elevated levels from January to October. Notably, March and April peak at an index of 15, categorizing them as high-risk months where extreme precautions are necessary, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes. Even in October, the UV Index remains significant at 13, demanding vigilance. Residents and visitors should be proactive by employing sun safety measures, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, particularly during mid-day hours when UV exposure is most intense. As the colder months approach, November and December see a moderate decrease in UV levels, but caution is still advisable, especially with a very high index of 10 in December. Always stay informed and protect your skin from harmful UV radiation year-round.
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 |
| Sanarate | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 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 |