UV Index in Poptun, Guatemala

Last updated: June 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Poptun, Guatemala, where the warm and vibrant climate creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. With UV levels that can soar as high as 13 during midday hours, awareness of these intensity levels is essential for effective sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. The typical tropical rainforest climate of Poptun not only enhances the beauty of the landscape but also increases the risk of skin damage from UV radiation. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the sun safely while protecting your well-being.

Hourly UV Index in Poptun

The UV Index today offers a dynamic spectrum of sun intensity throughout the day. Starting off mild at 7:00 AM with a value of 2, the index climbs steadily as the sun ascends, peaking at a striking 13 between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. During these hours, it’s crucial to seek shade or apply sunscreen to protect your skin. The intensity then wanes from the early afternoon, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM, and gradually dissipating to a calm 1 by 5:00 PM, where it hangs until sunset. Clearly, planning outdoor activities around the midday peak can help you enjoy the sunshine while staying safe!

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	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	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 Poptun

The seasonal UV changes indicate a significant increase in UV index from January to April, peaking at UV Index 14 in both April and May, categorized as extreme exposure with a burn time of just 10 minutes. Following this peak, the UV index remains high, fluctuating around 13 during the summer months of June to September, before tapering off to 12 in October. The high-risk months for UV exposure are therefore February through October, with particular caution advised for March through May when the UV index is at its highest. Visitors and residents should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours to prevent sunburn and skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Poptun, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Poptun. 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 Poptun, 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 Poptun UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Poptun 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.

Poptun'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
Poptun	10	12	13	14	14	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