Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Rafael Petzal, Guatemala, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels helps residents and visitors alike to take proactive measures against sunburn, which can lead to long-term skin damage. Nestled in a Cwb climate zone, San Rafael Petzal experiences significant UV exposure, particularly during midday hours when levels soar to 15 or higher. By staying informed about the local UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings while safeguarding your skin against harmful rays.
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 Rafael Petzal | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |