Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of Santa Ana, Guatemala, where the tropical climate brings intense sunlight year-round. With UV levels peaking at 13 during midday hours, awareness of daily UV exposure is vital for preventing sunburn and protecting skin health. Given the region's high UV risks, knowing how to monitor and respond to these levels can significantly reduce the long-term effects of sun damage. Stay informed and take proactive measures to enjoy the outdoors while keeping your skin safe!
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!
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 |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit significant seasonal variation, with March through October being particularly concerning. The highest risk months occur from February to October, where the UV Index peaks at 14 in April, indicating an extreme exposure category with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. Residents and visitors should take precautions during these months by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours. Conversely, the UV Index decreases to very high levels during January, November, and December, where the burn time extends slightly to 15 minutes. Overall, vigilance is essential year-round, but especially so when the UV Index reaches extreme levels in the spring and summer months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santa Ana | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 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 |