UV Index in Santa Barbara, Guatemala

Last updated: May 3, 2025

In Santa Barbara, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage rising significantly during peak hours—especially when the UV levels soar to 15 around noon—understanding these fluctuations can help you take the necessary precautions. Nestled in a Cwb climate zone, Santa Barbara experiences a unique blend of temperate weather and elevated UV exposure, making it imperative for residents and visitors alike to stay informed about daily UV levels. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing risks to your skin.

Hourly UV Index in Santa Barbara

At sunrise, the UV Index begins at a modest 2 at 7:00 AM, gradually climbing as the day unfolds. By 8:00 AM, it reaches 4, signaling an increase in sun exposure. As the sun ascends, the intensity soars, peaking at a remarkable 15 by noon. This is the time to take precautions! The afternoon sees a slight decline, with values tapering to 11 by 2:00 PM and then descending further to 7 at 3:00 PM. As evening approaches, the index drops swiftly, hitting 1 by 5:00 PM and fading to 0 by 7:00 PM, marking the end of a vibrant day under the sun. Don't forget to protect your skin during those peak hours!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	2	low	45 min
08:00	4	moderate	30 min
09:00	8	very high	15 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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Santa Barbara

The UV Index data presents a notable trend of consistently high UV levels from January through November, classified as “extreme.” The month of March peaks with an index of 16, followed closely by April and July, while February is slightly higher at 14. Visitors and residents should be particularly vigilant during these high-risk months, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes across most months, emphasizing the need for sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when outdoors. As the year progresses into December, there is a slight reduction in UV exposure, decreasing to a very high level with a burn time of 15 minutes. It’s crucial for everyone to remain aware of the high UV index and take appropriate precautions year-round to safeguard against harmful sun exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Santa Barbara, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Santa Barbara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Santa Barbara, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Santa Barbara UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Santa Barbara compares to other major locations across Guatemala. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Santa Barbara's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guatemala. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	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
Santa Barbara	12	14	16	16	15	15	16	15	14	14	11	10