Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala, where the sun shines brightly and the tropical climate can lead to significantly high UV levels. With peak UV readings reaching as high as 13 between noon and 1 PM, awareness of these levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and long-term skin health. The typical weather in Puerto San Jose increases the risk of overexposure to harmful UV rays, making it vital for everyone to monitor the UV Index and take necessary precautions, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
As the day unfolds, the UV Index rises dramatically, peaking at 13 around 12:00 PM, signaling a maximum level of sun intensity. Early morning hours start off mild, with a low of 1 at 07:00 and climbing steadily to 6 by 09:00. The sun reaches its zenith at 11:00, with a value of 12, before gradually declining through the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 6, further falling to 3 by 16:00 and finally returning to a safe 1 by 17:00. As twilight approaches, the index settles to 0 after 19:00, providing a serene close to the day. Remember to protect your skin during the peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM, when the sun's rays are most potent!
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 | 9 | 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Puerto San Jose | 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 |