Last updated: July 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for the residents of Cunen, Guatemala, where the climate is classified as Cwb—temperate yet exposed to significant ultraviolet radiation. With UV levels peaking at 15 during midday, awareness is essential for sunburn prevention and maintaining overall skin health. Recognizing and monitoring these levels can help you make informed decisions about sun protection, ensuring you enjoy the sun safely while minimizing risks associated with overexposure. In Cunen, where sunny days are frequent, staying informed about UV exposure helps protect your skin and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
The UV Index throughout the day presents a striking rise and fall in sunlight intensity. Starting from a modest 1 at 07:00, the index escalates dramatically, peaking at a scorching 15 around 12:00. This is the time to be extra cautious, with skin damage potential at its highest. As the afternoon progresses, the index gradually declines, returning to a more manageable 4 by 16:00 and settling at 0 by the time the sun begins to set at 19:00. Remember, the midday sun is the most intense—protect your skin during those peak hours!
Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
08:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
09:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
10:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
11:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
12:00 | 15 | extreme | 10 min |
13:00 | 14 | extreme | 10 min |
14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
15:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
16:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
17:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
18:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
The UV Index data indicates a consistent period of extreme UV exposure from January through October, with values peaking at 16 in April. Notably, high-risk months for skin damage are from February to May, corresponding with some of the highest UV readings. In these months, individuals should be particularly cautious, as the burn time is only 10 minutes across all cases during this time. As the summer months progress, while the UV Index remains elevated, there is a slight decrease, with August to October recording values between 14 and 15. Visitors and residents are strongly advised to take proactive measures, including wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to mitigate the risks associated with these extreme UV levels. As December approaches, while the UV Index decreases slightly to 10, the burn time increases to 15 minutes, indicating a marginally lower risk but still necessitating sun protection practices.
UV Risk Categories
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Cunen | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |