Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors of San Andres Sajcabaja, Guatemala, where the climate features a temperate highland environment. As a region that sees significant sun exposure, awareness of varying UV levels is vital for protecting skin health and preventing sunburn. With peak UV readings soaring to 15 between noon and 1 PM, it's essential to be conscious of the risks associated with outdoor activities during these hours. By grasping the importance of the UV Index, you can better safeguard your skin against harmful rays while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of San Andres Sajcabaja.
As the sun rises at 07:00, the UV Index is a modest 2, but it quickly ramps up. By 08:00, it reaches 4, signaling the start of a significant increase in UV radiation. The intensity peaks at 12:00 with a high of 15, presenting a clear reminder to seek shade and protect your skin. Despite a slight drop to 10 by 14:00, the UV index maintains its potency throughout the afternoon. By late afternoon, around 16:00, it dwindles to 3, and the evening hours see a gentle decline to 1 by 18:00 and tapering off to 0 by 19:00. This hour-by-hour pattern underscores the importance of sun safety, especially during midday when UV levels are at their most dangerous.
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 2 | 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 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 7 | 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 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 |
| San Andres Sajcabaja | 11 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 10 |