Last updated: August 1, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in El Progreso, Guatemala, where the sun shines brightly in the Aw climate zone. With UV levels soaring to 14 during peak hours, awareness can make a significant difference in preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. High UV exposure not only increases the risk of immediate skin damage but also contributes to long-term health issues. As you enjoy the beautiful, sunny days in El Progreso, being informed about daily UV fluctuations ensures you can take the necessary precautions for safe outdoor activities. Remember, a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your skin safe under the warm Guatemalan sun!
The UV Index tells a compelling story throughout the day, starting off with a gentle 1 at 7:00 AM. As the sun ascends, it charges up rapidly, reaching a moderate 4 by 8:00 AM. The intensity peaks at 12:00 PM with an intense 14, suggesting that this is the time to seek shade and take precautions against sunburn. The index gradually declines thereafter, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and further down to a safe 1 at 5:00 PM. As evening sets in, the UV rays diminish, leaving a 0 at 7:00 PM. It's clear: the midday hours are when the sun is most powerful, so plan accordingly to protect your skin!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 09:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 10:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 11:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 12:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
| 13:00 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 6 | 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 |
Throughout the year, UVA levels display pronounced seasonal variability, with January to September marked by an extreme UV Index, peaking in April at 15. During this period, burn time is critically short at just 10 minutes, highlighting the increased risk of skin damage during the high-risk months from February to April. Following this peak, UV levels gradually decrease but remain extreme through much of the summer, before tapering off to very high levels in November and December. For both visitors and residents, it is crucial to practice sun safety, especially during the spring and summer months. Sunscreen application, protective clothing, and seeking shade are essential strategies to reduce the risk of harmful UV exposure during these high-risk seasons.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Progreso | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 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 |