Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Morales, Guatemala, where the sun's intensity can pose significant risks. As a tropical region with a warm climate, Morales experiences high UV levels, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. Awareness of these levels is vital for preventing sunburn and preserving skin health, especially during peak hours when the UV Index reaches a maximum of 13. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and enjoy the beautiful Guatemalan outdoors safely.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dynamic rise and fall, reflecting the sun's intensity. Starting at a mild 2 by 7:00 AM, it gains momentum, reaching a moderate 4 at 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, the UV Index peaks to a 7, and then surges to a striking 10 by 10:00 AM. The midday sun is relentless, pushing the index to a maximum of 13 at both 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. As the afternoon unfolds, there is a gradual decline; it drops to 12 at 1:00 PM, further decreasing to 9 by 2:00 PM. The late afternoon sees the UV Index easing to 5 at 3:00 PM, before trailing off into the evening with a gentle 3 at 4:00 PM. As twilight approaches, the index tapers down to 1 by 5:00 PM and remains at this level until 7:00 PM, finally hitting 0 by 8:00 PM. Stay protected during those peak 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 12 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
15:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 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 |
The UV Index exhibits significant seasonal variations, peaking during the spring and summer months. High-risk months span from February to October, with the peak UV Index values reaching up to 14 in April. During this period, the exposure category is classified as extreme, warranting a burn time of 10 minutes for unprotected skin. In contrast, January, November, and December experience very high levels, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. To safeguard against harmful UV exposure, it is crucial for both visitors and residents to adopt sun safety measures, especially during these high-risk months. This includes wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morales | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
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 |