Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Santiago Chimaltenango, Guatemala, where the climate can present unique exposure risks. With UV levels peaking significantly around midday—reaching a dangerous 15 at noon—awareness is vital for sunburn prevention and maintaining skin health. By knowing the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays, especially given Santiago's characteristic climate conditions. Whether you're planning outdoor activities or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, staying informed about UV levels helps you enjoy the sun safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic rise and fall in intensity. Starting at 07:00, the index is a modest 2, but by 09:00, it jumps to 7, indicating a sharp increase in sun exposure. The peak intensity occurs at 12:00, where the UV Index reaches a scorching 15, signaling a critical need for sun protection. As the afternoon rolls in, the numbers begin to decline, dipping to 11 by 14:00 and further down to 4 at 16:00. Finally, the index wanes into the evening, dropping to 1 at 18:00 and settling at 0 by 19:00, effectively marking the end of a sun-soaked day. Pay attention to these fluctuations to protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 2 | 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 |
| Santiago Chimaltenango | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |