Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Juan Atitlán, Guatemala, where the sun’s rays can be particularly strong due to its high-altitude climate. Awareness of UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health, especially during peak hours when the index can reach a staggering 15 at noon. With typical exposure risks heightened in this region, knowing when to seek shade or apply sunscreen can help you enjoy the beautiful outdoors safely while minimizing harmful effects. Stay informed and take care of your skin in this stunning locale!
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins its ascent, starting at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling the start of a sunnier day. The real intensity kicks in at 9:00 AM, where it skyrockets to 7, and by 10:00 AM, it hits a powerful 11. The peak occurs at 12:00 PM with a staggering 15, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these critical midday hours. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, dropping to 11 by 2:00 PM, and further down to 4 by 4:00 PM. Finally, as the sun sets, the UV Index dwindles to 1 at 5:00 PM, before fading to 0 by 7:00 PM. It’s a vibrant reminder of the sun's powerful rays, urging us to stay vigilant and protect our skin during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 14 | 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 Juan Atitan | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |