Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Sebastian Coatan, Guatemala, where the climate falls under the Cwb category, characterized by mild temperatures but significant sun exposure. Being aware of daily UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and maintaining long-term skin health. With UV Index levels soaring as high as 15 at midday, the risk of harmful effects from sun exposure increases dramatically. This makes it imperative to safeguard your skin, particularly during the peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM when UV radiation is most intense. Stay informed, protect your skin, and enjoy the beauty of San Sebastian Coatan 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 Sebastian Coatan | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |