Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Vicente Pacaya, Guatemala, where the climate is classified as Cwb, characterized by a dry season and high-altitude sun exposure. Knowing the UV levels is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting your skin health, especially during midday hours when the index peaks at a staggering 14. With UV levels escalating to 12 around noon, it's essential to stay informed about daily fluctuations to enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
The UV Index rises steadily through the morning, starting at a gentle 1 at 07:00 and escalating to a peak of 14 by 12:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the index hits a blistering 12 at 11:00 and maintains an impressive 13 at 13:00, signaling ideal conditions for sunbathers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the intensity of UV rays begins to wane after 14:00, dipping to 10 and further declining to 3 by mid-afternoon. As evening approaches, the index falls sharply to 1 by 17:00 and settles at 0 by 19:00, marking a gradual retreat from peak sun exposure. For safety, sunscreen and protective clothing are essential during the midday hours, especially from 10:00 to 14:00 when UV radiation is at its strongest.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | 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 experiences significant variability throughout the year, peaking from February to July, where it reaches extreme levels of 12 to 14 with a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. March sees the highest index at 14, closely followed by April, May, and June. As summer fades into autumn, slight decreases are noted, with August and September at 13, followed by October at 12. The risk remains high through November and December, although the indices drop to 10 and 9 respectively, resulting in slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take precautions, especially during peak months by utilizing broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of harmful UV exposure. Always remain vigilant, even in winter months, as UV radiation can still pose a significant threat.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Vicente Pacaya | 11 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 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 |