Last updated: May 3, 2025
In San Juan Cotzal, Guatemala, understanding the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. With the region's Cwb climate, which brings intense sun exposure, awareness of UV levels is essential in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. The UV Index peaks dramatically, reaching a high of 15 around noon, highlighting the need for vigilance during peak hours. By monitoring UV levels, residents and visitors can make informed decisions about outdoor activities, ensuring they enjoy the beautiful surroundings while keeping their skin safe from harmful rays.
The UV Index throughout the day shows a dramatic rise as the sun climbs higher in the sky. Starting with a low 2 at 07:00, the index swiftly escalates to a peak of 15 by 12:00, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From 11:00 to 13:00, it remains dangerously elevated at 14 and 13, before declining in the afternoon. By 15:00, the index drops to 7, and by 17:00, it falls to a more manageable 1. As the day winds down, the UV intensity diminishes, hitting 0 by 19:00. For those venturing outdoors, it's vital to take precautions during the midday peak to protect against harmful UV rays!
| 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 | 13 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 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 |
Throughout the year, the UV Index in this region exhibits significant seasonal changes, with high-risk months predominantly from January to October. Notably, from March to June, the UV Index peaks at 15, categorized as extreme, signifying that unprotected skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes. February and March see the highest readings—reaching 13 and 15, respectively—while August and September maintain a high index at 14. As a result, it is crucial for visitors and residents to take adequate precautions during these months, such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade, especially during midday hours when UV exposure is most intense. In contrast, while December presents a slightly lower risk with a UV Index of 10, it is still advisable to remain vigilant.
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 Juan Cotzal | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 |