Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents and visitors of Sayaxché, Guatemala, a region basking in a warm tropical climate. With high levels of sun exposure, knowing the UV levels can significantly impact your health, helping prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage. In this sunny locale, UV levels can soar to a striking 13 around midday, emphasizing the need for protective measures. Awareness of these fluctuations is essential for maintaining healthy skin and enjoying outdoor activities safely in Sayaxché’s vibrant environment.
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!
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 |
The UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, with January showing a UV Index of 10 and moving up to a peak of 14 in April. The high-risk months are clearly identified from February through October, where the UV Index reaches 12 or higher, categorizing exposure as extreme. Burn times are notably short, often just 10 minutes during these peak months, so visitors and residents should exercise caution. To mitigate potential skin damage, it is advisable to wear protective clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, and seek shade, especially during midday hours when the sun is strongest. As November and December approach, the risk decreases slightly, but vigilance remains crucial during these transitional months.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sayaxche | 10 | 12 | 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 |