UV Index in Playa Grande, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Playa Grande, Guatemala, being aware of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin under the sun’s powerful rays. Understanding the UV levels can help prevent painful sunburns and long-term skin damage, making it essential for both locals and visitors alike. With a tropical climate characterized by intense sun exposure, Playa Grande experiences significant UV risks, especially around midday when the index peaks at a staggering UV Index of 13. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to enjoy the beauty of this stunning locale while keeping your skin healthy and safe!

Hourly UV Index in Playa Grande

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!

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	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

Monthly UV Index Trends in Playa Grande

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Playa Grande, Guatemala

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

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Playa Grande 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.

Playa Grande'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
Playa Grande	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