Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is essential for residents and visitors of San Antonio Huista, Guatemala, where the climate gives rise to significant sun exposure throughout the year. With peak UV levels soaring to a dangerous 15 between noon and early afternoon, being aware of these figures is crucial for preventing sunburn and maintaining skin health. The tropical highland climate (Cwb) creates a unique balance of sunny days and higher elevations, which can intensify UV radiation. By staying informed about daily UV levels, you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 4, indicating a mild risk for sunburn. The intensity peaks around 12:00 with a striking 15, when protective measures are essential. Following this zenith, the UV levels gradually decline, hovering at 11 by 14:00 before dipping to 8 by 15:00. As the afternoon wanes, the UV Index continues to drop, reaching 2 at 17:00 and finally falling to 0 after 19:00. It's a vivid reminder of nature’s cyclical dance, urging us to enjoy the sun wisely while staying protected during its high-energy hours.
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 16:00 | 4 | 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 throughout the year, peaking from March to October with values consistently marked as extreme. The highest levels occur in April with an index of 16, while January and December experience lower indices of 11 and 10, respectively, categorized as very high. Notably, the high-risk months for UV exposure are February through October, during which visitors and residents should take precautions seriously as the burn time at these levels is only 10 minutes. It is essential for individuals to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sunlight hours to minimize the risk of skin damage. As the UV Index decreases in November and December, vigilance should still be retained, especially since burn times are still within a hazardous range.
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 |
| 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 |
| San Antonio Huista | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |