UV Index in San Jose, Guatemala

Last updated: May 3, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Jose, Guatemala is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With the region's tropical climate, sun exposure can be intense, particularly between 10 AM and 2 PM, when the UV levels soar to their highest, reaching a peak of 13. Awareness of these UV levels is essential for preventing sunburn and reducing long-term skin damage. Knowing when to seek shade and apply sunscreen can safeguard your skin against harmful rays. So, whether you're exploring the bustling streets or enjoying the beautiful outdoors, keep a close eye on the UV Index to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in sunshine-kissed San Jose!

Hourly UV Index in San Jose

The UV Index throughout the day showcases a striking pattern of intensity, peaking sharply around 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM with a robust 13, signaling a high risk for sun exposure during these hours. Early morning starts gently at 2 at 7:00 AM, then steadily climbs, passing through moderate levels at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, before reaching a critical point with a 10 at 10:00 AM. Post-noon, the index gradually declines, dropping to 6 by 3:00 PM and further to a much safer 1 by the evening at 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, where it ultimately settles at 0 by nightfall. To enjoy the sun while protecting your skin, plan outdoor activities early or enjoy them after the peak hours!

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	9	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 Jose

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 Jose, Guatemala

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in San Jose 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 Jose'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 Jose	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