Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Todos Santos Cuchumatan, Guatemala is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's high elevation and a climate classified as Cwb (temperate highland), the sun can deliver intense ultraviolet radiation, particularly between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV index peaks at an alarming 15. Awareness of UV levels empowers residents and visitors alike to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage, ensuring safe enjoyment of the beautiful outdoors in this stunning mountainous locale. By staying informed about the UV index, you can effectively safeguard your skin while relishing the vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery of Todos Santos Cuchumatan.
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 |
Todos Santos Cuchumatan | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 10 |