UV Index in Sacapulas, Guatemala

Last updated: July 2, 2025

In Sacapulas, Guatemala, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and maintaining overall health. With UV levels peaking at 15 during midday hours, residents and visitors alike should be mindful of the potential for sunburn and long-term skin damage. The town's climate, classified as Cwb, features a mix of warm days and cool nights, but the high elevation can amplify UV exposure risks significantly. By monitoring the UV Index, you can take effective precautions to enjoy the sun safely while safeguarding your skin's health—because prevention is always better than cure.

Hourly UV Index in Sacapulas

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!

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.
TimeUVICategoryTime to Burn
07:001low45 min
08:004moderate30 min
09:007high25 min
10:0011extreme10 min
11:0014extreme10 min
12:0015extreme10 min
13:0014extreme10 min
14:0011extreme10 min
15:007high25 min
16:004moderate30 min
17:002low45 min
18:001low45 min
19:000low45 min

Monthly UV Index Trends in Sacapulas

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.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Sacapulas, Guatemala

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Sacapulas. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec111315161515151414141110
Data source: Statistical UV Index data for Sacapulas, 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 Sacapulas UV Index with Other Guatemala Cities

The table above highlights how UV exposure in Sacapulas 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.
Sacapulas's solar exposure compared to other cities in Guatemala. Generated using Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information.
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Petapa UVI111314151414141414131010
Villa Nueva UVI111314151414141414131010
Mixco UVI111315151414141414131110
Guatemala City UVI111315151414141414131110
San Juan Sacatepequez UVI111315151414151414131110
Sacapulas111315161515151414141110