Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Union, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding daily UV levels helps residents prevent sunburn and mitigate long-term skin damage, especially during peak sunlight hours. With a climate that features consistently high UV exposure, particularly reaching a maximum of 15 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, it's essential to take precautions. By staying informed about the UV Index, you can enjoy the warm, vibrant outdoors while keeping your skin safe and healthy.
The UV Index data presents a compelling picture of daily sun intensity. Starting off the day at a mild 2 at 7:00 AM, it quickly ramps up, hitting 4 by 8:00 AM. The sun’s strength peaks spectacularly at 15 around 12:00 PM, making it essential to seek shade or apply sunscreen. A gradual decline begins after this peak, dropping to 10 at 2:00 PM and tapering off to 1 by 5:00 PM. Finally, UV exposure drops to 0 by 7:00 PM, signaling a safe end to outdoor activities. Plan your day wisely to protect your skin during those midday 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
During the year, UV Index levels indicate a significant fluctuation in UV exposure, with high-risk months clearly spanning from January to October, where the index ranges from 11 to 15, categorized as extreme exposure with a burn time of just 10 minutes. April, May, and July are particularly noteworthy, consistently hitting a peak index of 15. As we transition to November, the index decreases to 11, and by December, it drops to 9, signifying a shift to very high exposure with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to take precautionary measures, including wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during these high-risk months to mitigate the dangers of prolonged UV exposure.
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 |
Union | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 9 |
San Juan Sacatepequez UVI | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |