Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Iztapa, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for anyone looking to protect their skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels enables residents and visitors alike to take necessary precautions against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sunlight, Iztapa often experiences high UV exposure, particularly during midday when the index soars to peaks of 13. Being informed about these levels allows you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while minimizing the risk of harmful effects from the sun.
The UV Index throughout the day follows a dynamic pattern, peaking around midday. Starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00, it escalates rapidly, reaching 4 by 08:00. The intensity continues to climb, hitting 7 at 09:00 before soaring to a staggering 10 at 10:00. The highest level is observed at 12, where it maintains a powerful 13 from 12:00 to 13:00, prompting a strong call for sun protection. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping back to 9 at 14:00 and then to 6 by 15:00. By late afternoon, the UV Index dips further to 3 at 16:00, before settling back down to 1 by 17:00 and waning to 0 after 19:00. This data underscores the importance of sun safety during the peak hours, particularly between 11:00 and 13:00.
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 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | 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 varies significantly throughout the year, peaking during the summer months from February to October, where it remains in the extreme category (UV Index 12-14) with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The high-risk months for UV exposure are February through October, particularly in June, which has the highest UV Index of 14. In contrast, November and December exhibit a lower UV Index of 9 with a very high exposure category, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are advised to take precautions during high UV months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV levels are at their highest.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iztapa | 10 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 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 |