UV Index in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Understanding UV levels can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin health issues, ensuring you enjoy the warm, tropical climate safely. With a climate that frequently exposes residents and visitors to intense sunlight, especially during the midday hours where UV Index peaks at a staggering 13, it's vital to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to safeguard your skin. Remember, knowledge is your best defense against the sun’s damaging effects!

Hourly UV Index in Melchor de Mencos

As the sun rises, so does the UV Index, starting gently at 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it climbs to 3, but the real intensity begins at 09:00 with a sharp increase to 7. The peak of the day arrives at 12:00, reaching a scorching 13, before slightly tapering off through the afternoon. Notably, 11:00 hits 12, making peak sun hours critical for sun safety. As the day progresses, the index drops to 6 by 15:00, tapering gently back to 1 by 17:00, and reaching virtually zero as evening falls at 19:00. This data highlights the importance of sun protection during those midday hours, especially between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV levels are at their highest. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine wisely!

Average solar exposure data for the current time of the year. Actual values may vary and depend on many factors, such as cloud cover, vegetation cover, surface type, etc.
Time	UVI	Category	Time to Burn
07:00	1	low	45 min
08:00	3	moderate	30 min
09:00	7	high	25 min
10:00	10	very high	15 min
11:00	12	extreme	10 min
12:00	13	extreme	10 min
13:00	12	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Melchor de Mencos

The UV Index experiences significant variations throughout the year, reaching its peak during the spring and summer months. From January to April, the UV levels start at 9 and escalate to 14 by April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a rapid decrease in burn time to just 10 minutes. This high-risk period continues through May to October, where the UV Index remains at 12 to 13, maintaining the extreme classification and a burn time of 10 minutes. In November and December, the UV Index decreases to 9 and 8 respectively, categorized as very high, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Visitors and residents should take proactive measures, especially from February to October, by wearing protective clothing, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Melchor de Mencos. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.

Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Melchor de Mencos, based on information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Compare Melchor de Mencos UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Melchor de Mencos compares to other major locations across Guatemala. This comparison helps travelers and residents better understand regional sun intensity and plan outdoor activities with sun safety in mind.

Melchor de Mencos's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guatemala. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Melchor de Mencos	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	9	8
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