UV Index in San Luis, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

Understanding the UV Index in San Luis, Guatemala is crucial for protecting your skin and health under the intense tropical sun. With UV levels reaching as high as 13 during midday, awareness of these readings helps you take proactive measures against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Located in a warm climate zone (Am), San Luis experiences consistent exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, particularly from late morning to early afternoon. By keeping an eye on the UV Index, you can enjoy the outdoors safely while minimizing the risks associated with high UV exposure.

Hourly UV Index in San Luis

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 San Luis

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 San Luis, Guatemala

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

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