Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in La Democracia, Guatemala, is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Aw climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round, awareness of UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index can peak at 13 around midday, indicating very high exposure risk. By staying informed about these levels, you can take proactive measures to enjoy the beautiful Guatemala sun safely.
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!
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 |
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.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Democracia | 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 |