UV Index in San Benito, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In San Benito, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for safeguarding your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels can help you prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage, especially as the sun's intensity peaks during the midday hours. With a tropical climate characterized by strong sunlight, residents and visitors alike should be aware that UV exposure can reach dangerous levels, hitting a maximum of 13 around noon. By staying informed on the UV Index, you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors of San Benito safely!

Hourly UV Index in San Benito

As the sun rises, the UV Index begins to climb, starting at a low 1 at 7:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, it reaches 6, signaling that it's time to pay attention to sun safety. The peak intensity arrives at 12:00 PM, with a high of 13, indicating potentially harmful radiation. This resplendent midday sun shines brightly until about 2:00 PM, when the index decreases to 10. As the afternoon progresses, the UVI drops to 6 by 3:00 PM, eventually tapering off to a mild 1 by 5:00 PM and lingering at 0 after 7:00 PM. Be sure to protect your skin during the hours of peak exposure!

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	6	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 San Benito

Throughout the year, UV index values exhibit significant seasonal variation, with the highest risks occurring from February to October. During these months, the UV index typically ranges from 11 to 14, categorized as extreme and necessitating minimal burn times of only 10 minutes. Specifically, April emerges as the peak month with a UV index of 14. Conversely, January, November, and December present lower UV levels, classified as very high, allowing for longer burn times of 15 minutes. Residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution, including wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting sun exposure during these high-risk months to safeguard against skin damage.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for San Benito, Guatemala

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Benito 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.

San Benito'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
San Benito	9	11	13	14	13	13	13	13	13	12	10	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